Rosetta Grace Mainieri

Rosetta Grace McBee Mainieri, a native of Morgantown, WV and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 92, returning to the arms of her beloved husband Demie in heaven.

She was born in Morgantown, WV and grew up a country girl on a dairy farm where she learned to work hard doing farm chores and shooting snakes. She received her early education in a one room schoolhouse down a dirt road. She showcased her sewing skills at the West Virginia County Fair, winning first place often as well as other awards. After being turned down admittance to archaeology school for being a woman, she graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. There she met the love of her life, Demie, an Italian from New Jersey, and life was history. They married (in a wedding gown she sewed herself) and soon after she sailed to France to join Demie stationed in the Army.

After the devasting loss of their first-born child due to Spina Bifida, a devastating diagnosis both Demie and Rosetta would go on to educate people about for years to come, Rosetta and Demie moved to Miami, Florida to seek a warmer climate and raise their five children. Rosetta worked as an elementary school teacher, inspiring many children and loving them as her own. After her retirement from the classroom, she traveled extensively with her husband, Demie, and followed her son, Paul, as he coached college baseball. She often visited her daughters Rosemarie and Cathy in Colorado, her son Jim in Alaska, and her son John in Georgia. In all her travels, no matter where she landed, “Nanie” always felt like home to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Shortly after Rosetta and Demie moved from south Florida to Baton Rouge, they continued to be graciously cared for by their devout son James, until they moved into St. James Place for the remainder of their lives. Rosetta made quite an impression on the staff at St. James with her cheerful outlook and engaging personality. She was even voted “Queen of Mardi Gras” twice during her years at St. James. Rosetta often raved about the care she received from the angels at St. James - including Bertha, Deanne, Alexandria, Rocky, Eula, Jackie, Tiffany, Stephanie, Jeneba, Terrilyn, Lydia, Jennifer, and Farisa. Her best friend at St. James was Marilyn, and they would joyfully share lunch and conversations any chance they could. She loved it when Ken Wesley sang to the residents, especially the song Take Me Home Country Roads, and brought her so much happiness (and a reason to put on her red lipstick).

Rosetta’s love for wisdom, travel, acceptance of others, listening, and love was unending. Special times were had with her daughter-in-law, Karen, including champagne and slot machines. She was a tremendous cook, and everyone was always welcome at her table. Her legacy will live on as an unselfish example of a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Nanie, as she was known to all her grandchildren, was always ready with open arms for a hug, a kiss, and an encouraging word. Her impact on all those with whom she had contact is immeasurable. Her unwavering faith was a significant part of her life. “Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Julia Marie; her husband, Demie; as well as her parents, Spencer and Charlotte McBee.

Rosetta is survived by her five children, Rosemarie (Lloyd) Batchelor, Paul (Karen) Mainieri, James Mainieri, John (Zeneida) Mainieri, and Catherine (James) Gagnon; ten grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexandra, Danielle, Samantha, Thomas, Isaac, Isaiah, Isabel, Jacqueline, and Joey; and five great-grandchildren, Holden, Jonathan, Wren, Rowan, and Rocco – with a 6th great-grandchild expected to be born in the near future. In addition, she is survived by two brothers, Thomas McBee and Sanford (Marsha) McBee.

Visitation will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, LA.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.