Juanita Foster Zeno
Juanita Foster Zeno joined her heavenly communion of saints on Friday, October 28, 2016. Juanita was born in Simmesport, LA on January 15, 1931, the first child of Susan Firmin and George Wellington Foster. From humble beginnings- her crib was a dresser drawer-to graduating valedictorian of the Simmesport High School Class of 1948, this beautiful, intelligent, dedicated, compassionate woman strived for excellence in every endeavor. She earned the RN from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA, in 1951. Her nursing career spanned decades, from Labor and Delivery nurse at "the old Our Lady of the Lake by the State Capitol" to the "new OLOL" where she was floor and charge nurse. Juanita continually studied to earn a BS in Nursing and taught nursing classes for a time, as well as working in various local nursing homes. After she "retired" from nursing, she became the Acute Care administrator with the JH Lee Kidney Center. An active member of St. George Catholic Church, she was Eucharistic Minister and volunteered in many capacities including nursing home ministry. This classy woman was named Mrs. Baton Rouge in the 1960's and competed in the Mrs. Louisiana contest. Juanita is predeceased by her adoring best friend and husband of 63 years, Carl Zeno, Jr., her parents, a sister, Gladys Bourgeois Canal, and son-in-law, Dexter Leake Rollins. Survivors include her brother, Dr. Thomas H. Foster and his wife, Maxie Cade; daughters, Suzanne Zeno Rollins, Carla Zeno John and husband, Dr. Thomas M. John. She was Nana to Justin Foster Garner and wife Jenny, Falan Gabrielle Guy and Chelsea Andre' Booth as well as GrandNana to Deacon Stiles Blalock and Caroline Elizabeth, George Thomas, Samantha Regina and Joseph Foster Garner. Locksley Rushworth was her dedicated assistant and friend. Celebration of Juanita's life will be held Monday, October 31st at St. George Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 10:00 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow in St. George Mausoleum. Officiant is Fr. Mike Schatzle. Friends and family are invited to a reception following the services in the Kleinpeter Activity Center. The family wishes to thank the staff of Lake Sherwood Village Retirement Community and Nursing Care Connections, Inc. especially Effie, Jean, Nikki and Brittany for their tender, loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Juanita's memory be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (hospicebr.org). Rabenhorst Funeral Home East in charge of arrangements.