Elvera "Susie" Rita Hegeman Rousselle

Elvera "Susie" Rita Hegeman Rousselle, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her family, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, on September 20, 2026. The day of her 57th wedding anniversary.

Susie was born on October 12, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to William F. Hegeman III and Elvera Rita Mayne Hegeman. She was proudly raised in the historic Garden District of New Orleans, a place that remained an important part of her roots and her story throughout her life. She was a graduate of Ursuline Academy, Class of 1964 and attended Southeastern Louisiana University as an aspiring artist.

Susie shared 57 years of marriage with the love of her life, Francis “Chispa” Rousselle. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and the many memories created throughout their years together.

In 1980, Susie and her family moved from New Orleans to Covington, Louisiana, and in 1985, they made their home in Bush, Louisiana, where she would spend the remainder of her life sharing her creativity as a gifted painter, jewelry engraver, seamstress and making elaborate wedding cakes.

She was a devoted mother to her three children, Suzanne M. Rousselle, Stephanie R. Krista (Kory), and Daniel B. Rousselle (Melissa). Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children.

Susie was a proud grandmother to her 9 grandchildren, Branden F. Rousselle, Orlando Hernandez, Jr., Victoria S. Hernandez, Harley R. Hernandez, Nicholas S. Krista, Savannah H. Krista, Lyrial D. Rousselle, Dyriam R. Rousselle, and Saraneth A. Rousselle.

She is also survived by her siblings, William F. Hegeman IV (Kathy) and David L. Hegeman (Doris).

Those who knew Susie will remember her not simply for the years she lived, but for the love she gave, the family she nurtured, and the memories she leaves behind. Her life was woven into the lives of the people she loved, and her presence will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love through her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and the generations that will follow.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Susie Rousselle on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 1:00pm at St. Joseph's Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00pm at St. Joseph Abbey.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery.

Following the interment, the family will gather privately for a Celebration of Life in honor of Susie.

May she rest peacefully, surrounded forever by the love she gave so freely during her life.