She moved to Lake Charles in 1958 and married Jack Joseph Liprie. They welcomed their only child, a daughter, Mary Catherine "Kitty" Liprie. Their love was a special love felt by all those around them. She lost her beloved Jack seven years later in 1966. Although he was not physically with her, their love remained. She never remarried and devoted her life to their pride and joy, Kitty. She was a devoted member of St. Margaret Catholic Church for 50 years. When she moved to Sulphur she became a parishioner of Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church. She adored her Catholic faith, and had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was an avid dog lover throughout her life and provided homes to many lucky pets. Mary Belle also enjoyed the music of Alan Jackson and possessed an abundance of his memorabilia. Alan Jackson gave her a rose at one of the concerts she attended. All of his songs were her favorites but "Chattahoochee" was her #1! Mimi enjoyed dancing to Alan Jackson songs in the kitchen with her beautiful granddaughter, Alaina, who was most precious to her. Mimi had a loving relationship with her grandson, John. The moment Kitty and Glen married 27 years ago the relationship between Mimi and John blossomed and he never ceased to put a smile on her face. She loved her family near and extended and was never at a loss for a smile when she spoke to someone, no matter how long it had been. She was the embodiment of grace under pressure and she had a determination that propelled her through life. That determination is evident in the wonderful family she leaves behind.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Jack Joseph Liprie; her brother, Charles Joseph "C.J." DeVersa; godchildren, Janet Blue and Edwin Zagone; her father-in-law, Leon Liprie, mother-in-law, Mamie Liprie; brothers and sisters in law, A.J. "Tony" Ragusa, Sanford Breaux, Joe Liprie, Martin Liprie, Sam Liprie, Louis & Mary Ann Riviere, Tony & Beverly Liprie, Walter & Frances Graske; special uncle and aunt, Mike & Rose Lee Liprie; and numerous relatives and friends.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Mary Catherine "Kitty" Roberts and husband Glen of Sulphur; granddaughter, Alaina Catherine Pago and husband Matthew of Sulphur; grandson, John Lee Roberts of Moss Bluff; two precious great-granddaughters, Gianna Catherine Pago and Siena Clare Pago; sisters, Barbara Ann Ragusa, Jean Breaux, Donia Marino and husband Henry Lee, Phyllis Huddleston; godson, Dennis Breaux; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 12:00 p.m. in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 22 in Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church officiated by Rev. Andrews Kollannoor, M.S. and Abbot James M. Liprie O.S.B. Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com
