Asta Viguerie Cotonio

Asta Augustine Viguerie Cotonio, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, and most recently of Mandeville, Louisiana passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12th, at the age of 83 with her loving son at her side, listening to the sounds of “What a Wonderful World.” This came after a very courageous journey with Alzheimer's Disease. She was the beloved wife of Theodore “Teddy” Cotonio and mother of Theodore “Tony” Cotonio and Keighley Viguerie Cotonio.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 17, 1942, Asta attended Ursuline Academy as a young boarding student at just four years old. After graduating from Ursuline in 1960, she continued her education at Barat College of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois, where she earned a degree in psychology in 1964. Asta was well known for her kind and nurturing nature and for the compassion she extended to everyone she met. So much so that her peers honored her both her junior and senior years as the student who “most embodied the Barat College Spirit.”

Along with her time at Ursuline and Barat, Asta attended Rockbrook Summer Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, where she forged strong friendships, far and near, that she treasured and maintained through her life.

After returning to New Orleans, Asta soon met her beloved husband, Teddy, with whom she shared a deep love of learning, reading, and the arts as well as a passion for sports of all kinds. Their connection deepened into a lifelong commitment, and the two were married on April 24, 1965.

A devoutly faithful Catholic during her life, Asta was an active member of St. Benedict's Church in Covington, Louisiana, and she served as a dedicated weekly adorer at St. Peter's Chapel (also in Covington) for many years. Asta's devotion, however, extended well beyond the church, and her faith infused every part of her life. She will forever be remembered for her deeply nurturing, kind, and bright spirit, touching the lives of loved ones and strangers alike. Her faith was not something she simply practiced, it infused how she lived and loved. Even through significant loss and hardships, Asta's unwavering faith provided her with an inner strength and positivity that carried her through the most difficult of times.

A voracious reader across all genres and rarely seen without a book or crossword puzzle in her hands, Asta also enjoyed painting, drawing, and gardening. She rescued dogs throughout her life, including lovingly taking in two canine companions willed to her by an Ursuline nun upon her passing. Asta also served as a member and volunteer with meaningful organizations during her life, including the Hermann-Grima House in New Orleans and the Junior League of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Asta is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore “Teddy” Cotonio III, her son, Theodore “Tony” Cotonio IV, her stepsister: Patricia Palmer, her father: Raoul Viguerie, her mother, Asta Johannessen Viguerie, and her stepmother, Rosemary Viguerie.

Asta is survived by her son, Keighley Viguerie Cotonio (Ashley); and her adoring grandchildren, John Keighley Pierce Cotonio, Elizabeth Palmer Cotonio, Matthew Cotonio, Theodore “Teddy” Cotonio and her brother, Raoul Francois Viguerie Jr.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the National Votive Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Ursuline Academy, (2701 State Street) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11am with visitation starting at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests if you would donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or The National Votive Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.