Jessie Valcarcel "Abu" Richey

"Jessie passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Baton Rouge General Hospital at age 65. She was a Spanish Teacher & Love Warrior.  A resident of Baton Rouge, she was a native of San Juan, Pueto Rico.  Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 8 pm.  Visiting at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Monday, May 28, 2018 after 9 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am celebrated by Father Miles Walsh and Father Clifton Hill.  Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.  She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Daniel Wesley Richey; children: William Victor Richey, (wife, Delilah Whisenhunt Richey),  Aida Lenn Richey, Joseph Daniel Richey, (wife, Chrystal Manuel Richey)  and John Paul Richey, sister, Marta Antonia Valcarcel, brother, Victor "Nolo" Valcarcel; grandchildren, Amielle Victoria (Mia), Siena, Santiago, Sebastian, Nicholas, Dallan, Cooper.  Preceded in death by father,  Victor Valcarcel; mother,  Aida Perez Valcarcel.  Pallbearers will be Chris Brown, Mac Devall, Nolo Valcarcel, DeLane Jenkins, Samuel Vasquez, Cody Brown, Anthony Mabrey, John Duggan.  Honorary pallbearers will be Verne Richey, Wes Richey, Sam Devall, Bob Richey, Jr., Matthew Whisenhunt, Leighton Whisenhunt, George Whisenhunt, Noah Hall.  Jessie received her BA in Sociology/Psychology from Loyola University.  She was affiliated with Regnum Cristi, Missionaries of Charity Volunteer, a CCD Teacher at St. Agnes Catholic Church, ECYD Youth Ministry, and a Spanish Teacher at Cypress Heights Academy. Jessie never met a stranger. Filled with a contagious, engaging and tireless spirit, she loved unconditionally and sought to serve in every way imaginable.  Forever with a radiant smile and kind word, she had a passion for bridging the gap between people and bringing all closer to Christ. Known for affectionately calling her friends, "Hermana" (sister in Spanish), her Heart beat strong for her homeland of Puerto Rico, while she fervently adopted Louisiana as her own. She navigated her way through the Richey family tree with extraordinary grace and mercy, honored her husband with affection and dignity, and parented and grandparented with so much Joy, resilience, forgiveness, generosity and Hope. She stayed true to a favorite song of hers, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine," and when not at daily Mass or running a car pool, you could surely find her dancing to Latin salsa music while preparing a feast for family and friends. Although she passed suddenly, her life lessons and laughter will forever remain. A beacon of light on earth and in heaven, she will be loved to the moon and back, a billion times over.