Dianne M. Rousseau

Folsom, Louisiana – Dianne Mullan Rousseau passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on July 6, 2026, at the age of 86. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a caring sister, and a loyal friend to many. She lived a life defined by deep spirituality, unbounded intellect, and fierce devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Born in New Orleans on November 26, 1939, to the late Russell David Mullan and the late Clare Werhan Mullan, Dianne was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings. She spent her high school years in the novitiate at Rosaryville Convent, educated by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. She often shared stories of her joyous life of prayer, hard work, studies, and faith and was forever grateful for this formative experience. She then sought to advance her education in New Orleans where she found a new calling and the love of her life.

Her next adventure began at Mercy Hospital where she received her nursing education and thrived as a Registered Nurse. Through the foresight and kindness of her friend, June Rousseau Vaudry, she was introduced to June’s brother, Dennis Leon Rousseau in 1960, when he was an assistant professor at Loyola Law School. Starting with a movie at the Saenger Theater and drinks at the Sazerac, the two fell in love and were married on August 18, 1962, beginning a committed marriage that would last 64 years until her death. Together they raised four children in New Orleans before relocating to Folsom in 1994.

As her children left for college, Dianne briefly returned to nursing before deciding to return to the classroom as an adult student, earning a Bachelor of Liberal Studies, summa cum laude, from Loyola University City College in 1992, where she graduated as class valedictorian. While a student, she worked as a Salesperson at Little Professor Book Center, a Research Assistant and a Statistics Tutor before finding a new passion for psychology and counseling. She completed a Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 1995, graduating with honors, and practiced for several years as an inpatient psychiatric social worker.

Throughout her life Dianne found joy in helping others, whether they be family, neighbors, friends, or strangers, and led a life defined by insatiable curiosity, an endless love of learning, and an authentic spirituality. At St. James Place, where she spent her final years, she was a constant participant in parties, dances, music, crafts, and was a warm and welcoming presence for new residents. She had a remarkable capacity to fully accept other people with her open, inquiring mind. She was an avid reader and learner to the end, including recent classes in Spanish, Artificial Intelligence, and European History.

As a parent, Dianne was only one book away from trying anything new. She modeled how to open doors and tackle subjects that were complex and unfamiliar through reading. She was always courageous, resilient, and determined, willing to learn new things to build relationships with her five grandchildren, mastering texting, emojis and, more recently, ChatGPT. As she faced death, she found grace sharing that she was “At peace because she had done what she had been put on earth to do.” Dianne had a constant and unconditional love for her husband and each of her children. She and her husband enjoyed many happy trips to most of the U.S. national parks, Europe and Japan, often joined by their children. She brought warmth, compassion, wisdom, and steadiness to everyone she encountered.

Dianne touched so many lives through modeling generosity, showing up in times of need, dancing through hardships, and caring for all with whatever the moment might require, whether that be a book recommendation, nectar snowballs, sweet tea, or BBQ shrimp feasts. Always at the leading edge, Dianne joined a gym, exercised regularly, served bran pancakes, and was a granola mama before any of this was fashionable. A consummate caregiver, Dianne could nurse anyone through the hard times of illness, birth, or life’s speedbumps. Her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Dennis Rousseau; her children, Dionne Rousseau (John Pojman), Dennis Rousseau, Jr. (Sharon), Julie Rousseau (John Penney), and David Rousseau (Amy); her grandchildren, John Pojman Jr., Lexie Rousseau, Celeste Rousseau Penney, Timothy Rousseau, and Sam Rousseau; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will cherish her memory and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial gifts be made to the St. James Place Foundation, 333 Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, or online at stjamesplace.org under the Foundation tab, in support of the compassionate care and community that meant so much to her in her final years.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Dianne’s life with a visitation at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433, on Saturday, August 8th from noon to 2 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass at 2 pm, with burial to follow in St. Lazarus Cemetery in Covington.