Mildred Alonzo

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." A fulltime homemaker, housewife, mother, and resident and native of Baton Rouge, she died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at age 89. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m.until religious service in the chapel at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Jim Gross, pastor ofPark ForestBaptistChurch. A private interment service will follow. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Allen Edward Alonzo and Tootie G. Alonzo; sister, Erline Higginbotham Shelton; three grandchildren, Kathi Lasseigne Barry of Mandeville, and Karen Lasseigne Blanche and Kevin Lasseigne, both of Baton Rouge; and four great-grandchildren, Denis Ward Barry Jr. and Virginia Blair Barry, both of Mandeville, Elizabeth Stirling Blanche of Jackson, Miss., and Allison Lauren Blanche of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Tony M. Alonzo; son, Jerry Wayne Alonzo; parents, Marshall and Lela Davis Sr.; birth mother, Laura Pauline Castle; sister, Ruthie Mae Davis Browning; brothers, Marshall Allen Davis Jr. and Herbert Higginbotham; and a beautiful and loving mother-in-law, Marie Alonzo. Helping others, especially the sick and those in need of anything, she was engaged in those activities for as long as she was able. Her family and friends captured her heart and time. She put everyone ahead of herself. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the following: Dr. Lalit Barai, who has been a devoted and caring physician for many years; to Ethel Fryoux, the nursing home coordinator at Stanocola Medical center for her extraordinary help on our behalf; and to Jefferson Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for coming to her aid when she needed help the most. The administration and employees at the Center provided her with the rewards she so richly earned and deserved for a lifetime of service to the sick and needy. They were caring, sincere and loving to the end. It would be remiss to ignore their contributions during her last days on this earth. They were a blessed addition to her life. Her neighbors, Ray and Eula Mae Jackson, acted as surrogate caretakers for her when Tootie and Allen could not be present. A special note of thanks to them is appropriate. Let us remember Joan Reinhard, her "roomie," who gave her such loving and dedicated attention 24/7; thank you, Joan.