Rosemary Veronica DeBose Stelly

Rosemary Veronica Debose Stelly was a devoted loving mother of eight children, seven beloved daughters and one beloved son, and a proud grandmother of 23 adored grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, whose life was poured out in love and service. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 36 years, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. She lived the life of a servant leader. Her first and greatest calling was serving the Lord with her whole heart, soul, and spirit. This was not simply a part of her life; it was her full-time mission. Her second calling was serving her children and grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely and faithfully. Kindness was her language, and love is her legacy. She was passionate about making sure everyone felt welcomed, valued, and seen. Before becoming a wife and mother, she attended Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) to study social work. Building on her social work studies, she directed her passion for helping others into her roles as a wife, mother, and pillar of her community. She mastered the human experience, and she translated those early lessons into a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, and grace. She truly never met a stranger. Meeting her was an unforgettable experience, marked by her warm hugs, radiant smile, generous heart, and delicious cakes. She had a rare ability to capture the essence of love and make others feel at home. She gave countless hours encouraging others while also holding them accountable, believing deeply in growth and purpose. She never left anyone the same way she met them, as she believed her mission was to leave people better than she found them. Her husband affectionately nicknamed her “Mrs. Rockefeller,” because she would give away everything she had, except the kitchen sink; if she believed someone needed it. Her generosity knew no limits, and her life was a living example of selfless love. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives were forever changed by her faith, kindness, and unwavering commitment to love. Rosemary Veronica DeBose Stelly departed this life on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the age of 82. She was the wife of John A. Stelly; Daughter of Mr. George L. DeBose and Thelma Veronica DeBose; Mother of Terry A. Stelly, Joan M. Stelly-Tate (Teraign Tate), John F. Stelly (Sylvia Chavez), Dr. Desiree A. Stelly-Bordenave, DNP (Dr. Barry S. Bordenave, MD), Lori A. Stelly, Rose M. Delphin (Phillip), Deirdre M. Danna (Derrick, Sr.) and Zandra B. Stelly (Motie Haitram); Sister of: George L. DeBose, Jr., Lavenia Soublet, Althea D. Recasner, Mirenda D. Brown, Brenda D. Carter, Harmon J. DeBose, Sr. (Carolyn), Gregory A. DeBose, Sr., Ermence D. Parent, Esq., Noel T. DeBose Sr. (Denise). Preceded in death by: Rudolph DeBose, Sr. (Ann), Edward Soublet Judy D. James, Louise R. DeBose, Israel I. Parent and Kirk P. DeBose; Granddaughter of Mercedes Lawrence Robinson; Godmother of Astrid Recasner, Brandon L. Brown Sr., and Gregory A. DeBose, Jr. and Goddaughter of Lucille DeBose Lee. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, Araina C. Pierce, Matthew C. Pierce, Krystian A. Pugh, Kameryn A. Jones (Kaleb Jones), Kenneth A. Pugh (Shari), Evan C. Stelly, Dr. Adam J. Stelly, Mariah C. Prieto (Dr. Victor Prieto), Josiah L. H. Stelly, Geneva R. Luddington, Alexander J. Bordenave, Zoe S. Bordenave, Madison B. Bordenave, John (Derrick) Delphin (Neha), John G. Watts, Bernardine (Deanie) Delphin, Derrick J. Danna, Jr. (Sabrina), Nikko S. Danna (Chloe), Alex A. Danna, Dacia J. Danna, Caleb C. Danna, and Lilly Rose Haitram. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Harrison I. Bordenave. She has 5 great grandchildren, Krystal Delphin, Kaleb C. Delphin, Lathan I. Danna, Saint C. Johnson, and Sage Elizabeth Danna, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family also, priest and parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm. The funeral can be live streamed by visiting www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1802 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, La. 70112, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangement by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share condolences and sign the guestbook.