Beatrice Rodriquez Owsley

Beatrice Rodriguez Owsley passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 94. Beatrice was born and raised in New York City with her sister, Judy. There she met her Denver, Colorado born husband James Owsley. They eventually settled in New Orleans raising their three children James (Jr), Tom and Robert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Juanita Rodriguez, her sister Judy Venezia, her husband James Owsley, Sr. and her son James Owsley, Jr. She is survived by her children Tom Owsley and Robert Owsley, her daughter in law Kathy, and her grandchildren Cameron and Callista.

Education and learning were most important to Beatrice. She graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor’s degree in History. She then received a Master’s degree in History from UNO and, later, a Master’s degree in Library Science from Louisiana State University. Beatrice was employed by UNO as an archivist for over twenty years and subsequently continued her craft at Tulane University through Amistad. She was a published author with her book entitled "The Hispanic-American Entrepreneur." Beatrice retired in 2001 and moved to Natchitoches to be closer to her son and granddaughters. She was a devout Catholic and a member of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters and St. Vincent DePaul.

Visitation will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home on Friday, February 6 from 5:00 until 7:00. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00. Father Irion St. Romain will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in American Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Catholic Daughters or St. Vincent DePaul.