Beatrice Peppo Reine

With heavy hearts, but with hope rooted in the Resurrection of Christ, we announce the passing of Beatrice Mildred Peppo Reine, affectionately known as Maw Maw Bea, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who departed this life on May 17, 2026, at her home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Born on August 29, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Beatrice’s journey was one marked by resilient faith, unyielding love, and selfless devotion to those around her.

Beatrice’s early years were shaped by circumstance and grace. The ninth of twelve children, she was sent to St. Gertrude’s orphanage after the passing of her parents, where she was lovingly raised by nuns who nurtured the deep Catholic faith that would guide her throughout her life. Later, she came under the care of her eldest sister Delores (“Doddie”) Van Court, the anchor of family support in her formative years. Education at St. Stephen’s High School in New Orleans fortified her spirit and prepared her for the life she was to lead. 

In 1957, Beatrice was united in marriage, and a year later, she joyfully welcomed her first child, Catherine. She went on to nurture three more children: Jacqueline, Pamela, and Alfred, Jr.. Beatrice worked tirelessly to provide for her family, finding employment as a baker at St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School in New Orleans and later at Walgreens in Mereaux. There, she became affectionately known as the “Vitamin Lady,” a testament to her caring nature and insistence that those she loved cared for themselves as she always cared for them. Her work was never merely a job but a continued expression of her dedication and love. She blessed everyone who came to her register. 

Maw Maw Bea was a woman of profound faith—one that was not only spoken but lived every moment. Praying the rosary daily, volunteering as an adorer at the Adoration Chapel in Chalmette, and embracing every opportunity to give, her life was a reflection of true Beatific Vision, as if touched by saintly grace. Her faith was a beacon, a constant source of comfort and guidance not only to herself but to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—whom she raised with unwavering love and kindness. She found joy in puzzles and playing cards with her grandchildren, and watching Mass on television, all simple pleasures tethered to a life steeped in spiritual richness. 

Beatrice is survived by her four beloved children, Catherine, Jacqueline, Pamela, and Alfred (Leanne); her eight grandchildren, Brandy (Raymond), Angelle (Jonathan), Lacey (Justin), Amanda (Jared), Russell, Preston (Alyssa), Ryan, and Payton; and her fourteen greatgrandchildren, Victoria, Bailey, Evan, Jayden, Francoise, Olivia, Reid, Addison, Westin, Parker, Augustine, Giuseppe, Roman, and Luca. 

Her family mourns her deeply, but not as those without hope. Maw Maw Bea spent her life preparing for Heaven, not with fear, but with love. She taught her family that faith is not only something spoken on Sundays, but something lived. 

Now, the woman who spent her life gazing toward heaven has been called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We entrust her to the mercy of Jesus, to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to the communion of saints whose company she longed for all her life. 

May the angels lead her into Paradise. May the martyrs come to welcome her. May Christ, who called her by name, bring her into the fullness of the Beatific Vision. 

LN Hughes Funeral Services is honored to assist the Reine Family with the arrangements and funeral service of their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mrs. Beatrice Mildred Peppo Reine.