Antionette "Lena" Gioia Cataldo

Antionette “Lena” Gioia Cataldo—beloved matriarch, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—passed away peacefully on November 27, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was 94 years old, a native of Hammond, and a resident of Donaldsonville since the age of 16. Unable to complete her education because of family responsibilities, she returned to school at the age of 57 and obtained her high school diploma. She was well-known in the community for her abundant compassion, generosity, works of charity, and service to others. She had a deep devotion to St. Joseph and celebrated an altar in his honor each year in thanksgiving for answered prayers and blessings, serving over 200 meals annually. She enjoyed trips to the casino and attending Saints games with her dear friends. She is survived by her 5 children: Joseph Cataldo, Vincent (Linda) Cataldo, Edna (Anthony) Latino, Josephine (Stephen) Rousseau, and Michael (Elizabeth) Cataldo; 11 grandchildren: Wendy Rousseau LeBlanc, Jeffrey Latino, Dawn Cataldo Landry, Jeremy Latino, Stephen Rousseau, Keri Cataldo Rogers, Vince Cataldo, Jamie Latino Dominique, Abbie Cataldo, Andy Cataldo, and Jody Cataldo; 9 great-grandchildren: Logan Landry, McKenzie LeBlanc, Sophia Latino, Bella Latino, Toby Latino, Caroline Dominique, Morgan LeBlanc, Signy Latino, and Andrew Dominique. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Frank (Mary) Gioia. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Vincent “Toby” Cataldo; her Italian immigrant parents, Tony and Josephine Gioia; her sister, Frances Scurria; and her brother, Philip Gioia. The family wishes to thank The Hospice of Baton Rouge, all of her caregivers, especially Gwen Morris and Birdie Tingle, and Eucharistic Minister, Kathryn Brown. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville and from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian burial celebrated by Father Paul Yi immediately following. Entombment will follow at Ascension Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascension Catholic Church Preservation Society.