Marie Marchese Moschitta

Marie Marchese Moschitta, age 94, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Marie was born on October 2, 1931, in Hammond, Louisiana, the fourth daughter of Ben and Martha Bertone Marchese. She was a lifelong resident of Hammond and a beloved member of her community and Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

On July 25, 1953, Marie married the love of her life, Benny Moschitta, in Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas, while he was stationed there during the Korean War. Upon returning to Hammond, together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and deep community ties. In 1959, they became proud owners of The Hammond French Market, where they worked side by side for many years. Through her warmth and kindness, she served countless loyal customers who became lifelong friends.

Marie and Benny cherished time traveling with friends and family and enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, cruising, and frequent trips to the Coast. However, her greatest devotion was always for God and her family. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she was affectionately known as “Maw Maw Ree.” She created lasting memories through her cherished Sunday spaghetti dinners and joyful holiday gatherings, bringing generations together around her table.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Rosemarie Graziano (Wayne) and Paula Watkins (George); her grandchildren, Melanie Johnson (Brett), Valerie Barron, Brandon Graziano (Amanda), and Victoria Murley (Travis); and her great-grandchildren, Madison Chester (Isaiah), Isabella Acunzo, Kaden Barron, Olivia Graziano, Sophia Graziano, Brielle Johnson, Adriana Graziano, and Makayla Johnson, and three great-great-grandchildren, Roman, Malayiah, and River Chester. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Lucy Thibodaux, Barbara Dominick, Lilly Sandford, and Pauline Mader, and grandson-in-law, Benjamin Acunzo.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Baton Rouge, especially Jennifer Johnson and Erika King, as well as her devoted private sitters: Diane Hampton, Angela Harwell, Sandy Franklin, and Brenda Matthews, for their compassionate care and support.

Marie will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will be received at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 9:00 am until the funeral mass begins at 11:30 am.

Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum in Hammond, Louisiana.