Rose Polito Wooden

Rose Esther Polito Wooden, a native of Baton Rouge passed away peacefully into the loving arms of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on March 6, 2026, at the age of 80. Rose was born on March 18, 1945 and received her education at Saint Joseph’s Academy, later attending Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1969. Rose was one of only five female graduates in her graduating class. She knowingly chose a career that would present obstacles in her path to success, yet she pushed forward in order to make a difference. Her legal career began in New Orleans at a private firm, and she later moved to Washington DC to work on Capitol Hill for the late Senator from Louisiana, Hale Boggs.

She then served as legal aid to the House Ways and Means Committee. Later she went to work as a lawyer for the United States Chamber of Commerce where she assisted in writing the first regulations governing Health Maintenance Organizations. For this work she was nominated as one of the top ten most important women in the United States.

Upon returning home, Rose worked for Attorney General William “Billy” Guste before retiring with 20 years of service. She was always proud of her faith and was a practicing Catholic.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Philip Bernard Polito and Esther Sansone Polito; her sister, Faith Barfield and brother-in-law, A.J. “Johnny” Barfield, sister, Donna Parker and brother-in-law, W.A. “Tony” Parker Sr., brother-in-law T.C. “Terry” McCullough, III.

She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Greenblatt (Hoyt) and her sister Gloria Schexnayder (Dr. Glenn Schexnayder) and her brother, Philip Polito (Ann) , and 10 nieces and nephews, Debbie Brower (Dwight), Pam Crane (Charlie), Jennifer Lauterbach (Kenny), Tony Parker (Liz), Leslie Parker, Clint McCullough (Bethany), Courtney Moss (Ben), Austin McCullough (Katherine), Ashley Fisher (Ben) and Blaise Polito (Saskia) along with several great nieces and nephews who fully realized how special it was to have an Aunt Rose.

Rose will also be missed by Dr. Gail Sansone Bazzano and Dr. Blaise V. and Jane Polito who were not only her beloved cousins but gladly became her travel companions as they pursued their sense of adventure and love of exploring the world. This led to making friends in faraway countries and hosting them in her home as they exchanged visits.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Mass will begin at 2:00 celebrated by Father Cleo Milano. Burial will be private.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care Rose received from her doctors as her health declined. A special thanks goes to her nephew Clint McCullough for his invaluable help for the last several years. We offer also our sincere thanks to her sitters Tennille Meggs, Mary Carson, and Tammy Coleman. The care and guidance of Hospice of Baton Rouge was invaluable.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Academy and Hospice of Baton Rouge.