Rita B. Valentine

She was a graduate and salutatorian of St. Joseph’s Academy. Rita worked for the USO in The Officer’s Club. She climbed the corporate ladder in the financial world and eventually retired as Vice President of Fidelity National Bank/Hibernia National Bank after 42 years of service. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Louis King of France & St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rita was a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. Francis of Assissi court #1915, an officer of St. Louis King of France Altar Society and she enjoyed watching her LSU Tigers and Saints football.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, James “Jim” Valentine; parents, Paul Winchester & Evelie Waguespack Brignac; sisters, Theresa Terrell& Rose Mae Valentine; brothers, Johnny, P.W. "Noonie" and Martin Brignac; her infant son, Charles Ray Valentine; great-granddaughter, Reese Lynn Jarreau; daughter-in-law, Mary Jo “Cookie” Valentine; and her loving dog “Molly Mae”.

She is survived by her children, Susan Ricaud (John “Buddy”), Steve Valentine, Nancy Tate (Donald). Grandchildren, Trey Ricaud (Alison), Nicole Jarreau (Brian), Ryan Valentine (Holly), Ross Valentine, Brooke Feduccia (Anthony), Jill Twidwell Corrente (Troy), Susan Mayeux (Keith), Don Tate (Brittany), & Jennifer Tate. Also survived and loved as “ReRe” by many great-grandchildren, Gavin & Luke Jarreau; Allison Miceli, Ansley & Parker Valentine; Tomasin & Nicola Corrente; Blair & Blake Leblanc, Mason, Madison, & Amelia Mayeux; Tylar & Tucker Tate; & Camden Courtney.

A celebration of her life will take place Thursday July 29 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church located at 11441 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Visitation from 9:30am -11am followed by Catholic Mass of Christian burial at Green Oaks Cemetery officiated by Reverend Michael Alello. Pallbearers will be Trey Ricaud, Ryan Valentine, Ross Valentine, Brian Jarreau, Anthony Feduccia, and Keith Mayeux. Honorary pallbearers Buddy Ricaud, Donald Tate, & Butch Brignac. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

The family would also like to give special thanks and recognition to the paramedics and staff from East Baton Rouge Parish EMS, all of the nurses and ER physicians at Our Lady of the Lake Emergency Department, especially Amber Thibodeaux, along with Patty Tate and Janis Donellan for all of your love and assistance during her recent hospitalizations.