NEW IBERIA- Rosemary “Rosie” Laperouse Doerle, age 96, entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1929, in Abbeville, Louisiana, and was a longtime resident of New Iberia, Louisiana.
Rosie was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. A devoted Catholic, she had a strong love for her church, her religion, and a special devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary, . Her faith was lived out daily through prayer and service to others. She founded the Neighborhood Rosary Group, which met faithfully for 25 years. Once a week, neighbors gathered in one another’s homes to pray the rosary together, building bonds of friendship, community, and shared faith. This ministry became one of Rosie’s greatest joys and lasting legacies.
Rosie loved life and lived it with warmth and enthusiasm. She enjoyed dancing with her beloved husband, Harold, and the two were known for being quite good at it, even winning competitions at parties. She loved roses, sitting in the sunshine, and savoring a good cup of coffee. Rosie and Harold also enjoyed dressing up for Mardi Gras and were proud members of the Krewe of Wreck. Their marriage was filled with laughter, love, and companionship, and they shared that joy generously with their entire family. As a couple Rosie and Harold enjoyed sharing their camp at Cypremort point with their friends and their weekly card games. In the last several years, Rosie really enjoyed being part of the Oak Manor patio party on Friday nights.
After raising her six children, Rosie went to work for the city of New Iberia as receptionist to the mayor. Years later she and her husband Harold opened Doerle‘s air conditioning where she was the secretary and bookkeeper for the business.
Above all, Rosie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the heart of her family, a true matriarch whose presence was steady, comforting, and full of love. She was a light, a role model, and an example of what a fun-loving, faithful, and good woman should be. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her son, Dan Edward Doerle (Gina), and her daughters, Dianne D. Geoffroy (Conway), Nancy D. Patout (James), Mary Doerle, and Valerie D. Verret (Carl). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Gregory Geoffroy (Elaine), Brad Geoffroy ( Ellie ), Allen Patout, Mark Patout (Kelcie), Jason Doerle (Aleigh), Allison Doerle, Jenna Verret (Chris), Eric Verret, Brittany deGravelle (Matt), and Ginger deGravelle, and her great-grandchildren, Abigail (Matthew), Emily, Camille, Bella, Owen, Charlotte, Dawson, Walker, Austin, and Carter.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Edward Doerle; her daughter, Eva Marie Doerle; her parents, Valery and Marie Marine Laperouse; and her siblings, Flo Johnson, Carroll Laperouse, and Valery Laperouse.
A Mass if Christian Burial will be conducted for Rosie on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Fr. Keith Landry officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Iberia. A Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m. with a eulogy to follow.
Rosie’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosie’s name to Catholic High School 1301 De La Salle Drive New Iberia, La 70560
or EWTN Catholic Television Channel at 5817 Old Leeds Road , Irondale, Al 35210-2164
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Rosie’s godchild, Susu Lester, for her visits and love, and to the great staff of Southern Grace Hospice, to her doctor, Dr. Falterman , and to her sisters in faith, Rose, Bethany, and Nettie, for their care, prayers, and compassion.
A very special thank you to Rosemary’s son-in-law James for his patience and generosity and care.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
