Lucy Mancuso Sparacino

"The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace." Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lucy Mancuso Sparacino passed away on Monday, April 7, 2008, at her home. She was 79, born in Plaquemine on April 21, 1928, and moved to Baton Rouge with her family in 1952. She was a retired state employee, having served for 25 years with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Office of State Police. Lucy was a faithful member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where she served in the Usher Society, Holy Name Society and was a charter member for 56 years of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Louis 1816. She enjoyed baking for others and will be well remembered for sending birthday cards. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of almost 60 years, Angelo Paul Sparacino; three daughters and a son-in-law, Mickie and Sam Marchiafava, Anna Sparacino, and Angel Ellis. Her biggest joys in life were her six grandchildren and their spouses, Mekel Marchiafava, Keriann and Scott Jenkins, Korey and Tori Scavona, Robbie Marshall, Amanda Marshall and Ali Gibby; and three great-grandchildren who adored their "Nonnie," Nikolas Scavona, Rylee Matusicky and Slade Jenkins. She is also survived by her brothers, sisters and their spouses, Tony and Sadie Mancuso, Joe and Evelyn Mancuso, Angelo and Alma Mancuso, Annie and Donald Matirne, Paula Adams, and Virgie and Dean Smart; and many dear friends, especially Mrs. Joan Roberts, Mrs. Peggy Brewer and Mrs. Ruth Smith. Preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Annie Mancuso; and brother, Placito Mancuso. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Tuesday, April 8, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m. led by the past members of Court St. Louis 1816. Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Miles Walsh and the Rev. Tom Ranzino and assisted by Deacon Tommy St. Pierre. Graveside service in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Korey Scavona, Robbie Marshall, Scott Jenkins, Troy Smart, Marty Himel and Joseph Purpera. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Douglas Say, his nurses and staff; Cynthia, Gwen, Jennifer and Portia from Hospice of Baton Rouge, Synergy Home Care, and the staff and members of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church who were so kind to help during our time of need. Her love of life and family and her sense of humor were a gift to us all. She will be dearly missed. Donations in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. "The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; but God, who call'd me here below, will be forever mine."