Colleen Jean LaMotte

“And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand.” On Friday, October 17, 2025, a beautiful life of love ebbed to a peaceful end as Colleen Jean LaMotte’s spirit took glorious flight to Heaven, while her children surrounded her. Colleen was the youngest of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leo Paul LaMotte, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Affectionately called “Boo Boo” as a child by her father and mother, who doted on her, Colleen was reared in a loving, God fearing home – an experience which shaped her abiding faith in God and deep love for her own children. She attended Southern University Laboratory School from kindergarten through high school. From there she began her studies at Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Colleen was able to touch the lives of numerous students as an elementary school teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools, and later as a teacher and administrative assistant at St. Joseph Cathedral Preparatory School, where she forged many lifelong friendships with clergy in the Diocese of Baton Rouge and beyond. Later in her career, she served as a legal secretary during the administration of Attorney General William Guste at the Louisiana Department of Justice. Colleen’s passion in life was nurturing her children and later, her grandchildren. Throughout her life she held firmly to her belief, molded in her childhood, of the importance of family. Holidays were special times to her - especially Christmas. Known for her incredible cooking talent inherited from her mother, she took great pride and found immense enjoyment in hosting large holiday gatherings for which, much to the delight of her family, she would lovingly cook all of their favorites and watch as they enjoyed the delicious food she prepared. She enjoyed watching sports, especially golf and tennis, and would often call her friends to compare notes during tournaments, or to discuss Tiger Woods’ latest victory. Quintessential to her existence was her deep faith in and love for God. Colleen believed in the persistent power of prayer. She prayed the Rosary and watched Holy Mass on television every morning. More importantly she lived her faith, and shared it with her children and others around her. Throughout her dear sister Rhea’s illness, Colleen lovingly and faithfully cared for Rhea, exemplifying daily the Christian values which guided her life. Colleen leaves to celebrate her life of love, laughter and devotion one daughter, Toni R. Awill of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; four sons, Kyle Roquemore and wife Kimberly of Houston, Texas, Eric Roquemore and wife Celeste, Patrick Roquemore, and Mark Roquemore and wife Angela, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; six grandsons, Matthew, Bryant (Deleon), and Justin Awill, and Mark Roquemore, Jr., all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Kyle and Brennan Roquemore of Dallas, Texas; two granddaughters, Amanda Roquemore of Atlanta, Georgia, and Lauren Roquemore of Dallas, Texas; and one great-granddaughter, DenaLynn Awill, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also survived by numerous nephews, relatives, and friends. Eagerly greeting her as she joins the angels in Heaven are her first born, a son, Leroy Roquemore, Jr. (who always remained her angel while in this life); her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest LaMotte; her sister and closest friend, Rhea LaMotte; two devoted brothers, Ernest LaMotte and Huber LaMotte, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives who were dear to her heart. Although we whom she left behind are heartbroken, we rejoice in God’s promise that she is now reunited with her loved ones who left before her and whom she missed so much, and in His promise that one day we too will see her again. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, with a Rosary at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am celebrated by Reverend Cleo J. Milano. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA. Arrangements are entrusted to Rabenhorst Funeral Home.