Mary Rivet Furlow

Mary Agnes Rivet Furlow passed peacefully to be with her Lord on January 20, 2025. She lived a full life rooted in faith, family and the many dear friends she cherished. A native of Donaldsonville, Mary was born on May 11, 1941. Her family later moved to Baton Rouge. She graduated from Istrouma High School in 1959, where she played varsity basketball and was voted “Most Athletic.” She wed Bob Furlow in 1960, and they were married over 50 years. Mary raised the couple’s three children and was active in their activities which included serving multiple times as a PTO President. Professionally, Mary managed finances for Furlow & Associates advertising and marketing firm for over 30 years and was recognized by Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi as a Woman of the Year. In her retirement years, Mary enjoyed working with staff and students at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. Deeply committed to her Catholic faith, Mary held many roles, including altar server coordinator at St. Louis King of France Parish in the 1970s and 80s. For over 40 years, she was a captain for the Cenacle Retreat House in Metairie. In the 1990s, she served as president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW). She served faithfully for many years at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, including in leadership positions with The Ladies of the Cathedral and as a Eucharistic Minister. In 2014, Bishop Robert Muench presented Mary with the St. Joseph Cathedral Apprentice Award recognizing exemplary service to the parish. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Furlow; father, Allen Rivet, Sr.; mother, Violet Oulliber Rivet Bryant; brother Allen Rivet, Jr.; and sister, Anna Rivet Martin. She is survived by her children: Michael Furlow of San Francisco, Stacy Furlow Green (Lee) of Prairieville, Chris Furlow (Jan) of Austin; brother, JC Rivet; and nephew Jason Rivet. Mary was lovingly known as “Grandmere” to six grandchildren, Alyssa Green Dryden, Josh Green, Harrison Furlow, Adeline Furlow, Cooper Furlow, and Beatrice Furlow; and one great-grandson, Holden Dryden. A visitation will be held at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. The Very Rev. Paul Counce and Rev. Paul Yi will officiate. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Josh Green, Harrison Furlow, Cooper Furlow, Jason Rivet, Donnie Gilmore, and Danny Rivet. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Cenacle on the Lake Retreat Center (5500 St. Mary Street, Metairie, LA 70006) or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Greater Baton Rouge. Arrangements are being made through Resthaven Funeral Home, Baton Rouge.