Geraldine Laurent Fennell

Geraldine Laurent Fennell, 90, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, LA, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026. Born on March 17, 1936, in New Orleans, LA, to Stephen and Marguerite Laurent, Geraldine grew up with a strong sense of family and compassion that would define her life. She graduated from Istrouma High School in 1954 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing in 1957. Geraldine began her distinguished nursing career as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in downtown Baton Rouge. In 1968, she joined the team at Woman's Hospital when it first opened, continuing her work in Labor and Delivery. Later, she served with a group of OB/GYN doctors – Dr Haile, Dr. DiBenedetto and Dr. Broyles. A dedicated and compassionate nurse, Geraldine took immense pride in her profession, viewing it as a true calling. She made a lasting impact on countless families through her skill, kindness, and unwavering commitment to care. Geraldine was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. She found great joy in genealogy, spending countless hours researching the histories of both the Laurent and Fennell families. She also delighted in crocheting, gardening, collecting antiques, attending LSU baseball games, and—most of all—spending precious time with her large and loving family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) W. Fennell, Sr.; her parents, Stephen and Marguerite Laurent; and her siblings, Leopold and Marshall Laurent, Marguerite Foor, Naida Mae Altazin, and Nelda Coffee. Geraldine is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Bobby and Liz Fennell, Alan Fennell, Tom and Theresa Fennell, Diane and Jim McMahon, Brian and Gracie Fennell, David and Lisa Fennell, and Ron and Elena Fennell; 15 grandchildren, Joshua Fennell, Jennifer Reynolds, Melissa Brumbaugh, Jason Fennell, Matthew Fennell, Erin Larsen, Lauren Rube, Caitlin Miller, Spencer Fennell, Angelle Herman, Meghan Case, Rebecca Kirkland, Michaela Fakes, Adriana Fennell, and Gianna Fennell; 26 great-grandchildren, with two more expected; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of La Plantation, Garden View Assisted Living, and Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge. Special appreciation goes to nurses Paulette, Tammy, and Shelby for their compassionate care. Much gratitude as well to devoted caregivers Breonna, Latesha, and Mary for their kindness and comfort to Geraldine and to Anna Mae and Gloria, for their support and presence during the past year. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 5pm until 8pm, and will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 9am until religious services at 10am. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Josh Fennell, Jason Fennell, Matthew Fennell, Spencer Fennell, Vincent Musso, and Chad Laurent. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested in Geraldine Fennell’s honor to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Nursing Scholarship Fund (formerly Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing). Contributions may be made online at franu.edu/giving or mailed to FranU-Nursing Scholarships, 5414 Brittany Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808.