Laura Pierce Battistella's Obituary
On October 24, 2015, Laura Pierce Battistella passed from this life the way she lived it: with grace, dignity and beauty. Born June 11, 1969 in Baton Rouge, Laura rarely met a stranger or spoke an unkind word. Her brief, brave battle with ovarian cancer ended at her home in Covington surrounded by family including the love of her life, Rion. From earning a spot on the cheerleading squad in sixth grade to earning a finance degree from the University of New Orleans in 1991, Laura never shrank from a challenge. She was a source of light and laughter, of hope and devotion to duty for all of us that were blessed enough to be part of her life. She graduated from Grace King High School in Metairie in 1987 and had been a resident of Covington for the past 14 years where she served as general manager working as her brother George’s right hand in his business Pierce Commercial Laundry Distributors, for which she was an instrumental contributor to the success of the business. Laura’s hobbies and passions were many including competing in 5K & 10K road races, as well as completing the bridge run series twice (GNO, Huey P Long, and Luling). Laura also loved Jazzercise for many years making many friends along the way. But she was happiest when she and Rion traveled, especially as season-ticket holders to an away game each season to cheer on their beloved New Orleans Saints and serve as ambassadors for Who Dat Nation. Their gridiron diplomacy brought the couple to London in 2008 and many more great cities and stadiums across the NFL over their years together. She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Rion Battistella of Covington; by her mother, Della Melton Pierce of Folsom; brothers Walter D. Pierce and wife Mary of Lafayette and George B. Pierce and wife Kim of Covington; and by Emma, Amelia, Ezra and Maddi Pierce, her nieces and nephew. Also mourning Laura’s loss are Rion’s parents, Arthur and Diana Battistella, who are so very dear to the extended Pierce family; and the congregation of Covington Presbyterian Church where Laura and Rion were members. Laura was preceded in death by her father, Walter D. “Spike” Pierce III.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Covington Presbyterian Church, 222 S. Jefferson Street Covington, LA 70433.
Visitation on Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Covington Presbyterian Church.
Interment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 W. 21st. Ave., Covington, LA 70433.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society.
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