Barbara Ann Rathe died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 94 on February 17, 2019. Born in New Orleans on September 24, 1924, she was predeceased by her parents Euxenia Baccich and Gustave Henry Rathe. Barbara graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in 1941. She moved to Washington, DC in 1949 and resided in Georgetown until 2004 when she moved back to New Orleans due to health issues. Barbara’s lifelong career was as the Executive Assistant to US Congressman Hale Boggs and following his death in 1972, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs. Following her retirement, she attended George Washington University graduating with a degree in History. She is survived by her sister, Norma Rathe Steele, (the late Jefferson C.), and was predeceased by her other siblings, Jane Rathe Gregory, (Harbert S.), Gustave Henry Rathe, Jr., and Robert John Rathe. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Lesslie and Joan as well as twenty-two nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Barbara lived an extraordinarily full life in her beloved Georgetown where she had a vast circle of friends. She traveled the world extensively and entertained often in her charming Georgetown home. Her career at the US Capital was tremendously important to her as she felt public service to our country was a duty and an honor. Barbara loved the arts including the opera, theatre and ballet. Her family would like to express their deep appreciation to Elizabeth Garner and Denise Delaney who helped care for Barbara in her later years. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Chapel, 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans on Friday, March 8, 2019. Visitation begins at 10:00 am with Mass beginning at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the parlor. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Euxenia Baccich Rathe Scholarship Fund at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, New Orleans, LA.
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