Rosemary Crifasi Orr was born on the eighth day of the eighth month as the eighth child to Dominic and Mary Montagnino Crifasi in 1932. She loved being part of a large family and was very proud of the Crifasi name. As a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, LA, she passed away on November 4, 2023, at age 91. Rosemary was an honor graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and Louisiana Business College. A devoted Catholic and Christian, she was a longtime parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where she served in the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Rosemary enjoyed cooking and collecting recipes and was well known for her meatballs and spaghetti. She loved animals, having owned many dogs and cats over her adult life.
Rosemary was a loving mother of 4, “Mom-me” to 13 grandchildren, and a great grandmother to 12. She is survived by her son, Eldon Orr of Missouri; daughter, Diane Jerome of Louisiana; daughter, Nancy Levraea (Jay) of Texas; brother, Brother Eldon Crifasi; sister, Lorraine Crifasi Drago (Joe); and sister-in-law, Sally White Crifasi, all of Baton Rouge. She was Aunt Rosemary to 40 nieces and nephews, whom she loved greatly. They were wonderful to her, included her in their holidays and special events, celebrated her with birthday dinners, helped to rebuild and repair her home, and brought her “flowers for the living.” Her children are so grateful for the love and kindness they shared, including setting up and taking down Christmas trees, building fences, and burying deceased pets.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Jacob Kenneth Orr, Sr; son, Ken Orr; brothers, Peter, Benjamin, Sam, and Francis Crifasi; sisters, Jennie Crifasi Fonte and Rose Crifasi; and her parents.
The family would like to acknowledge Rosemary’s friend, Joe D, for his care and companionship, as well as Mona Perkins for a lifetime of love and friendship. They also send special thanks to Life Source Hospice for their care and kindness, but especially her nurse, Lorraine Crifasi, who went above and beyond to give Mom the absolute best love and care.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at 10 am until funeral mass at 11, conducted by Father Mike Maroney. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers, or have masses said in her memory.
