Maureen Finlay Prest

On March 16, 2026, at age 98, Maureen completed her earthly journey and headed off to the reunion she’d been waiting for — with her beloved husband, Frank, who surely greeted her with “Hey Maw-reen!” and a cup of black coffee.

Maureen was born January 4, 1928, in Sarepta, Louisiana, a small town in North Louisiana. Though her family had modest means, her parents instilled in their children a strong and enduring work ethic. In 1946, Maureen moved to Shreveport in search of employment. It was there that she met her husband, Frank, and together they welcomed their son, Frank in 1948.

Maureen and Frank owned and operated grocery stores in downtown Shreveport for over twenty years. After retiring, Maureen devoted her time to family, friends, and sewing—an art at which she truly excelled. An accomplished seamstress, she often took on projects not only for loved ones but for clients as well.

Maureen shared a special relationship with St. John’s Cathedral in Shreveport. Many knew her through her son, Frank, who worked at the Cathedral for twenty-one years, through the family’s regular attendance at Mass, and her bible study gatherings. However, Maureen’s spiritual connection deepened significantly in 1991 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent extensive surgery. During this period, she chose to enter RCIA and became a baptized Catholic.

It was also during that health crisis that Maureen began a friendship with Msgr. Earl Provenza, then Rector of St. John’s, that would last for decades. He discovered that she had never enjoyed baptism or acceptance into any faith. He saw to it that she was baptized at the Cathedral in February 1991, and her and Frank’s wedding vows renewed and accepted by the Catholic church she loved from “the outside” since 1947. Their bond remained strong throughout her life, especially in her later years when she was no longer able to drive to Mass. Nearly every Monday, Msgr. Earl brought her Communion. He often arrived with food, and Maureen would respond in kind—with coffee and conversation about their shared past memories.

In the summer of 2025, when the family moved to Baton Rouge, Maureen relocated to an assisted living facility there. Until illness affected her in early 2026, she thrived in the community. She eagerly participated in activities and quickly earned a reputation as the “phone‑holder lady,” having created hand‑sewn phone holders for much of the staff and many residents. Several staff members fondly described her as the life of the party and everyone’s “Granny!” Maureen was 98 years old at the time of her passing.

She lovingly referred to her family as her “sheep,” watching over them with gentle humor and unwavering devotion. Her only wish for them—repeated more times than they can count—was simply, “Be happy.”

Maureen, Mama, Grandma, “G” leaves behind family and friends who will forever carry her lessons, her stories, her recipes, and her laugh. Though we will miss her fiercely, we celebrate her long, blessed life and take comfort in knowing she is finally exactly where she always wanted to be—back by Frank’s side, keeping watch over her flock from above.

A funeral mass is being held in the chapel at the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans at 9:00 am May 16, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider having masses said for Maureen.