Lorinda Ross Montelepre

Lorinda Ross Montelepre passed peacefully at home on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2022.  In her 75 years, she was admired as a pacesetter in the art and interior design industry, obtaining her ASID certification in 1980.  Not only was creativity her calling, but it also became her forte, her career and will remain her legacy.  Lorinda was born in New Orleans, LA to Dorothy Nichols and Oliver Henry Foltmer, Jr on December 5, 1946.  Known as Lori, she maintained lifelong friends as a “Ms. Duda Sister,” attending Capdau Grammer School and John McDonough High School.  Lorinda gained a new tribe on the Northshore while attending and graduating from Southeastern Louisiana College where she served as the Vet’s Club Sweetheart, a member of Phi Mu and a member of the 1967 Ms. SLC Court. She worked in print media, radio, followed her husband in the Air Force before settling into a career of Interior Design in Hammond, starting at Continental Furnishings, Sears Roebuck, the Woodshed and ultimately developing her own brand, Lorinda Ross and Associates most well known for her eye for art, décor and a framing studio.  She had one child, Ashley Ross and three grandchildren, Michael, Ross and Victoria.  She is survived by Ashley as well as her husband Patrick Fagan and his two children Alex and Forrest.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 20 years Stephen Montelepre of New Orleans, LA.  Lorinda touched the lives of anyone who knew her, and many lived vicariously through her spirit and vibrant story telling. Her energy remains on the people and places she touched, and her memory will decorate many stories from here forward.  She was rare, original, effervescent, with a brilliant mind and magnetic personality… energy to accomplish anything.  In lieu of flowers or donations, please remember her fondly, give to others in need.  She lived in the moment and expected to take nothing with her but experiences of a full life.  Please join her family and friends celebrating her life at the Crescent Bar, 110 West Thomas Street, Hammond, America on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

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