Marie Bernice Chauvin Canatella

1933 - 2021

Marie Bernice Chauvin Canatella, age 88 of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully with family by her side on the evening of Saturday, July 24, 2021 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bernice was born March 28, 1933 in Union, LA. She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the historian and genealogist in the family tracing back ancestors in both the Chauvin and Canatella families and planned over 20 years of family reunions. She was a caregiver from a young age, quitting school to take care of her Mother. When she returned to school, she graduated as salutatorian of her graduating class. She loved and supported her husband and family, raising five children. She also cared for many grandchildren over the years. A devoted homemaker who loved cooking (particularly the vegetables from their garden), sewing, crocheting, planting flowers, and feeding the birds and squirrels. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Canatella, Sr; parents William Chauvin and Gussie Bourque Chauvin; stepmother Maggie Chauvin; two brothers Wilbert "Brother" Chauvin and Alfred Chauvin, Sr. and two sisters Elizabeth "Betty" Chauvin and Daisy Chauvin Clouatre. She is survived by her five children, Nicholas Canatella, Jr., Rose Collins, Patty Madere (Gordon), Mark Canatella (Debra) and Angel Vernon (Taylor); 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; brothers William Chauvin, Jr. and Gary Chauvin; sister Doris Chauvin Brignac and numerous other close family members. A special thanks to the caregivers and staff of Garden View Assisted Living, Magnolia Brook Senior Living, Hospice Specialists of Louisiana, Always Best Care and Griswold Home Care. A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday July, 29 at Greenoaks Funeral Home. A memorial visitation will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Living Hope Fellowship located at 1180 S. Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815 with a 5:00 p.m. Celebration of Life and catered reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of St. Mary's Chapel, 10138 LA 44, Convent, LA 70723/www.saintmarychapel.org or Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.