Marie Louise Cotaya

Marie Louise Cotaya, 92, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at The Carpenter House hospice facility in Baton Rouge.

Born in 1934 in New Orleans, the daughter of Julian Cotaya, Sr. and Marie Louise Marks, Marie was the youngest of five siblings: Julian, Jr., Sylvester, Sylvia Mae, and Noel, all of whom have pre-deceased her. Survivors include nieces Dianne Cotaya and Pauline Kelty, nephews Stephen and Jay Cotaya, and dear friend and lifelong companion, Catherine Heard.

A graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music and began her remarkable teaching career in her native New Orleans. Subsequently, she led award-winning bands in Jackson, Louisiana, and at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge. Her outstanding 42-year career came to a conclusion when, in 1999, she retired from the Scotlandville Magnet High School, where she was Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands.

Marie’s graduate education included a Master of Music Education degree in 1975 from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago. Additionally, she had graduate affiliations with Northeast Louisiana University, California State University, Southern University, and Our Lady of the Holy Cross.

Marie was nationally known by way of her involvement in multiple music education organizations, most notably as President of the Women Band Directors International. Through this affiliation, she was awarded their Silver Baton, as well as the Scroll of Excellence for outstanding contributions to band and band music. She was also honored by induction into the WBDI Hall of Fame. Additional honors and awards included “Band Director of the Year” from East Baton Rouge Parish, the Southeast Louisiana University School of Music “Hall of Fame” designation, and special recognition from the state chapter of Phi Beta Mu, music fraternity.

Marie was a member of LMEA-MENC, LBA, ASBDA, NBA, Phi Beta Mu, and the North America Band Directors Coordinating Council. She served as LBA President in 1983-84 and also completed a term as LMEA President. Her devotion to music, both instrumental and choral, was also evident in her decades-long commitment to directing the choir in the Baker Presbyterian Church.

Although Marie Louise, fondly known as “Weezie” by her friends, was known for her musical abilities, she had other interests, as well. She enjoyed photography, and at one time produced beautiful place mats, using images from a plantation near Jackson.

During Marie’s high school years, her teachers assumed that her college major would be physical education, as she was very active in sports. She loved to play tennis and was also good at swimming and diving. Although her musical education didn’t begin until late in high school, she soon knew that music was going to be her calling. Her parents sacrificed to purchase her first French Horn.

Marie was blessed with a dry sense of humor and was known for her one-word response to most situations: “Frazz!”

For many years Marie and Catherine were able to enjoy international travels. One special European trip took them to Malta, the birthplace of many of Marie’s ancestors.

A Memorial Service for Marie Cotaya will be held in the near future.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial gifts are preferred to be given to The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. To give a memorial gift, please use the tab below.