Joan Rathe

1931 - 2022

Joan Marie Ducote Rathe passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2022, in Covington, Louisiana. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 14, 1931, to Harold and Leola Coco Ducote. Joan was the youngest of 4 siblings, Beverly, Jean, and Harold Jr. On June 2, 1951, she married her soulmate Robert "Sonny" Rathe, Sr. at Our Lady of Lourdes in New Orleans, Louisiana. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her two infant sons and her husband. As the youngest of 4 siblings Joan's early life was spent in Uptown New Orleans. Joan's upbringing was modest, and this is where she learned, by watching her beloved Mother, how to create meals from very little, a talent that led to many, many great family gatherings over the past 91 years. Her seafood gumbo and pralines are world renowned. One of her favorite childhood memories is when the family would travel to see relatives in Cottonport, Louisiana. The Ducote's, Roy's, Coco's, Volman's and many other cousins from Avoyelles Parish provided her with great memories from childhood and every fall as she and Sonny would travel to Avoyelles Parish for their annual visit. When Joan reached high school, she attended Sophie B Wright. As she reminded her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren often she was All City on the girls basketball team. During high school she honed her skills as a fierce competitor and as the social butterfly that would soon catch the eye of Sonny Rathe. After high school Joan worked for New Orleans Public Service. Joan's first date with Sonny was on a Mardi Gras parade in 1950. Joan and Sonny became engaged shortly thereafter and began a love story and family that will endure forever. Joan excelled at all things family. Joan gave birth to 10 children and lost two infants. As she was busy raising 8 children, 22 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren she was also running the PTA at Our Lady of the Lake, playing Duplicate Bridge, Captain of the Northshore Tennis League, volunteering for Hospice and Meals on Wheels and most importantly being a sounding board for Sonny and the family business. Joan and Sonny moved to the Northshore in 1962. As Joan has reminded us, she cried the entire ride across the Causeway as she was going to be so far away from her parents. But as always, Joan was optimistic and determined to make life great. Her circle of friends on the Northshore from 1962 to today is a treasure to her and her family. Joan had a gift from God that drew people to her from near and far. One of Joan's favorite couples friends trip was the annual Point Clear tennis trip. She still laughs at the talent show when her friends dressed up as she and Sonny on the tennis court. Upon Sonny's death Joan moved into "her cottage" in the Christwood Retirement Community. She probably should have been paid because she recruited so many of her friends to move into Christwood. She was the Mayor of Christwood. She would speak to Sonny's picture every day since his passing in 2007 and often tell us that he seemed so real in her dreams, almost as if he was actually present. Joan battled and beat many significant health issues over the years and NEVER complained even during the darkest of times. If you happened to see Joan during her difficult times and ask how she is her reply would always be "I'm so lucky I'm doing GREAT"! And in her final days she would often repeat how much love was around her. Joan is survived by her children, Robert Jr. (Ellen), Richard (Mary Alice), David (Marie), Jan (Michael Tilly), Stuart, Susan (Scott Illing), Brian (Beth) and Lynne (Chris Laibe); her 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by Jennifer Rathe, Pamela Rathe, and Laura Rathe. Joan's impact on her family, friends, caregivers, and community is a gift that can never be taken away from us. We will forever keep her memory and legacy alive in our lives. We love you so much and are so happy you are with Dad! We anxiously await our reunion! In lieu of flowers kindly consider memorial contributions in memory of Joan Rathe to Saint Paul's School, PO Box 928, Covington, LA 70434-0928. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Saint Paul's School, 917 S. Jahncke Ave., Covington Louisiana on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM in Lakelawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.