Olivia Frank Lamonica

"In her home and surrounded by family as she wanted, Olivia Frank Lamonica died peacefully on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Olivia Frank was born in Bayou Goula, La., on December 19, 1919. She grew up two houses away from the "little church" (Madonna Chapel) on River Road, which was always a special place for her. She was a resident of Baton Rouge for over 80 of her 98 years. Olivia was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Leonard. Her parents, Paul Frank and Joanna C. Frank of Bayou Goula, both died while Olivia was young. Augustine Cascio, a neighbor, became a devoted and beloved foster mother for her. Olivia had two sisters, Lena Cannella and Katie Cherry; and a brother, Joseph P. Frank. She is survived by three children: Tim (Arlene), Ray (Dianne) and Kathy Hargrove (Frank); and a special and devoted niece, Genevieve Cannella, all of Baton Rouge. Her seven beloved grandchildren are Debbie Lamonica, Michael Lamonica, Julie Lamonica, Drew Lamonica Arms, Neal Lamonica, Leigh Olivia Lamonica and Lenny Hargrove. Her beloved great-grandchildren are Lauren and Grant Thomas, Justin and Jessica Lamonica, Cate and Carson Arms, and Davis, Sam and Luke Lamonica. Devoted nieces and nephews are Nick Lewis, Darlene Shilling, Paul Cannella and Galyn Frank. Sincere thanks are given to caregivers Maelene and Deborah, and Drs. Rolfsen and Luikart, who treated Olivia like family. Olivia graduated from White Castle High School as valedictorian. Even with scholarships, she could not afford to go to college. She met Leonard, and they began a long and successful business career. She retired at age 84 as co-owner of Lamonica's Television, usually working six days a week, alongside her son Tim. Many of her employees and customers became her life-long friends. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Thursday, September 6, 2018, starting at 9 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. . Donations in Olivia's memory may be made to Our Lady of Mercy, 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, La.A 70806, or to a favorite charity.