Rose Marie Sotile Sheppard, 84, was born on November 21, 1936 and passed away peacefully at Sunrise Assisted Living on November 13, 2021. A native of Donaldsonville, LA, Rose Marie graduated from Ascension Catholic High School. She was the daughter of Frank Sotile, Sr. and Rosa Mistretta Sotile and the youngest of 6 from a devout Sicilian Catholic family. From a young age, Rose Marie learned the value of a good work ethic by watching her father as he grew the Mistretta-Sotile Candy Factory with her favorite memory of sneaking the peppermint sticks. During her teens, she learned a lifelong love for the sport of tennis which she later taught to her 3 daughters. Rose Marie was a graduate of Louisiana State University in 1958 and received her BS Degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of Beta Sigma Omicron Sorority. Rose Marie met the love of her life, Sidney Ray Sheppard who was an LSU Golden Gloves Boxer. They married and had three daughters, Maureen, Karen and Lauren. Rose Marie was an elementary school teacher for 25 years and continued her love for education by substituting many years thereafter. She enjoyed being around young people and sharing her zest for life. Rose Marie’s favorite hobbies were playing tennis, gardening, baking, dancing and teaching her grandchildren the game of cards. She also had a love for travel where she dreamed of bringing her 3 girls to her beloved Italy. Her greatest blessings were her 5 grandchildren and being their “Nana”. Her strong Catholic faith was instilled in her children and grandchildren. Rose Marie was an active member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church and a former parishioner of St Thomas More Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA. She was involved in charity work and a member of St. Vincent De Paul’s Ministry. Rose Marie was best known as a tiny little firecracker who loved her LSU Tigers and Fats Domino. She is survived by her three daughters, Maureen Powell (the late Mark Powell) of Baton Rouge, LA, Karen Hampton (Michael) of Wichita, KS, Lauren Bourgeois (Marcel) of Lafayette, LA; 5 grandchildren, Brennan Bourgeois, Elizabeth Bourgeois, John Paul Bourgeois, Connor Hampton (Faith) and Samuel Hampton. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Mistretta and Frank Sotile, Sr; her siblings, Concetta Tripode (Camille), Vincent Sotile (Loretta), Frank Sotile, Jr. (Katherine), Bena Matassa (Joseph), and Laura Sotile. Pallbearers are Michael Hampton, Connor Hampton, Samuel Hampton, Marcel Bourgeois, Brennan Bourgeois and John Paul Bourgeois. Visitation will be observed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane Baton Rouge on Saturday, November 20th from 9:00 to 11:00 am with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Cemetery in Donaldsonville, LA at a later date. A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Sheppard family to the nurses and staff at Sunrise Assisted Living who gave her so much love and care; Bridgeway Hospice; and her wonderful caregivers, “Ms V” and her girls. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Rose Marie Sheppard to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821; or other charity.
“And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand.”
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