She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Albert Dupuy Kidd and her son, David James Kidd.
She was also pre-deceased by her parents, David M. and Brigid McWilliams Hennessey; sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Claude Whitehurst; brother David M. Hennessey, Jr; and sister-in-law Gloria “Deanie” Hennessey.
She is survived by her children Andre Kidd Smith, John Albert Kidd, and Suzanne Kidd; grandchildren Jennifer Kidd Spears (Tim), Elizabeth Kidd, Sean Smith, and Erin Smith; great-grandchildren Kamryn Spears, Rowyn Spears, and Ava Spears. She is also survived by her dear brother, Joseph R. Hennessey.
She was proud of her Irish roots and of being a New Orleanian from the Irish Channel. A 1948 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, she worked at Maison Blanche on Canal Street before marrying Al in 1957 and moving to Baton Rouge. They were ever-grateful for being introduced by mutual friends and said “God knew what He was doing when He put them together.” They were a great team -- devoted to one another and to their family.
Rosemary knew many people from many areas of her life.
They all seem to describe her in the same way -- as a sweet, thoughtful person who they thought the world of.
She had a strong faith in God and always said her special angels sat on her shoulder, watching over her. She adored her family and was always quick to recognize and encourage their strengths and accomplishments. She had long-lasting friendships and put the needs of others first.
She was a faithful letter and note writer and was never without a pen and stationery. She was often happiest “playing in the dirt” and working in her gardens. She had great style and could always find a bargain. She loved her dogs and grand dogs and had a special way with them. She was gentle and wise and empathetic and fun.
She was a great cook and entertainer. She couldn’t wait to decorate for the holidays. She loved her church and school communities. She orchestrated many St. Agnes Altar Society teas and Sacred Heart plant fairs and delighted in volunteering for them.
She loved deeply, and as she would say, with her heart and her soul. She was strong and resilient and toughed out her declining years with grace and without complaint.
The family thanks the staff at Southside Gardens Assisted Living for their outstanding care and love for our mother for the last 6.5 years.
We are also tremendously grateful for her nurses from Hospice of Baton Rouge.
The importance of these wonderfully dedicated caregivers can’t be measured.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The St. Agnes Church Rebuilding Fund or Hospice of Baton Rouge.
A visitation will be held at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge on Friday, October 15, from 9:30 am until the funeral Mass, to be held at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
She is loved and will be missed greatly. We will continue to find her in the little moments every day.
