Dr. Laura Catherine Richey Parnell

Dr. Laura Catherine Richey Parnell passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the age of 50. Laura was born in Galveston, TX, but grew up in Zachary, LA. She began her education at St. Gerard Elementary School. She completed her freshman and sophomore years of high school at Redemptorist. For her junior and senior years, she attended Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts where she graduated in 1991. Continuing in the family business of medicine, she then went to LSU Shreveport for her undergraduate and then LSUS School of Medicine. She graduated in 1997. She wanted to move back home to Baton Rouge to complete her residency in emergency medicine. From 1997 to 2000 she was a resident at Earl K. Long Medical Center. In 2006, Laura returned to The Earl. During this time she was staff physician and faculty member until 2014. She enjoyed teaching medicine as much as practicing it. Between her time at The Earl, clinics, and hospitals throughout the state, she was an emergency room physician for 25 years. For over 20 years, Laura was also the Continuing Medical Director of Central and Eastside Fire Protection Districts. Laura loved going to live performances–Jazz greats in New Orleans, blues singers on cruises, or Emily's gigs in town–she was there. In addition to live music, she enjoyed going to the Saenger for Broadway musicals. She had a lot of hobbies, such as crafting, sewing, making jewelry and amaretto, volunteering, and in the past few years, climbing. Laura enjoyed life and sharing it with her friends and family. She was a member of the Baton Rouge Krewe of Iduna, and she shared that with friends and loved ones, too. Laura is survived by her husband, Eric; son, Kevin; daughter, Emily; brothers, Dr. Wes and Verne Richey; sister, Johnnie Ruth Richey Arredondo; parents-in-law, Layne and Rosemary Parnell; her Godchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends that will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John and Marguerite Richey. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Visitation will resume at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 1 pm until the Memorial Mass at 2 pm. Even in her death, she continues to help people by being an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the gifts she continues to give others, please consider donating to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency at give.lopa.org. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.