Muriel Rizzo, a longtime resident of Baker, Louisiana, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 93, at the home of her daughter Karen, in Cypress, Texas.
Muriel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Albert Baldo and Iris Planchard Baldo on October 21, 1928. She was a graduate of John McDonogh High School in 1947 where she was the pianist in the school orchestra. Two years later she met the love of her life, Bruno Rizzo, Jr. They married on January 22, 1950 and welcomed one son and three daughters into their lives.
Muriel was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, aunt and friend. Her role as homemaker was the center of her life. Her love and devotion to family was everything. She was a person of many creative talents and loved sharing her abilities within the Baker community. She was a wonderful Cook, Pianist, Teacher, Den Mother, Artist, Poet, Newspaper Columnist and Choir Director. She and her husband Deacon Bruno Rizzo were also active members of the St. Isidore Catholic Church community for many years.
In Muriel's later years she discovered technology which she loved. It fueled her creativity in a new direction. She created a monthly online family newsletter to keep a large family informed of all the happenings. She was in her 80's when she discovered Facebook. It opened a new opportunity to share her graphic creations and poetry and spread well wishes for birthdays and anniversaries with family and friends. She also used it as an avenue to share her abiding faith in the Lord.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bruno Rizzo, Jr., her son Gary Gerard Rizzo and parents Albert and Iris Baldo. She is survived by her daughters Karen Serwan (Tom), Lisa Kopp (Tom), Gina Guzzardo (John), and daughter-in-law Beverly Rizzo (wife of late-son Gary), her grandchildren Shane Rizzo (Ryan), Brandon Serwan, Rebecca Serwan Goff (David), Rachel Kopp, Thomas Kopp, II (Becca), Casey Kopp, Kate Kopp Shambaris (Ted), Rob Kopp (Leigh), and Samantha Guzzardo O'Neill (Paul), and great/great-great grandchildren, Landyn, Peyton, Grayson, Savannah, Lucas, Kamryn, Opal, Jordan, Mae, Layla, Ansley, Ava, Nicole, Joseph and Joseph Duke.
Pallbearers will be: Shane Rizzo, Brandon Serwan, David Goff, Landyn Goff, Thomas Kopp, II, and Paul O'Neill.
Because Muriel loved lots of color, bling and jewelry, her daughters ask that those able to attend her wake/funeral please dress in a festive manner as we celebrate her return home to the Lord and being united with her husband once again.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 5657 Thomas Road, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Frank Bass. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.