Marilyn Pettiette

Marilyn Prozinski Pettiette was born at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, Minnesota on May 31, 1931. She passed away peacefully at her home on January 24, 2024, at the young age of 92. Marilyn attended elementary school at Our Lady of Lourdes and high school at St. Francis Convent in Little Falls. Educated by the Franciscan nuns, Marilyn was well-versed in Catholic doctrine and Catholic teachings, resulting in her being a bit outspoken (some would say “feisty”) when participating in various local Catholic study groups in her later years.

When she was a young girl, Marilyn tap danced and sang her way across numerous talent show stages. Marilyn’s mother dressed and groomed her as a Shirley Temple look alike. Needless to say, a star was born.

As a young adult, Marilyn performed as a vocalist in big band groups at supper clubs in the Minnesota Lakes area. When she graduated from high school, Marilyn continued her music education at the Minneapolis School of Music. There, she met a handsome young man from the great state of Texas who was attending the University on the GI Bill. Larry (Tex) was an exceptional musician in his own right. To this day, the Pettiette children all speak of the memory of falling asleep at night, listening to their dad play beautiful serenades on the clarinet and the alto saxophone. 

Larry and Marilyn were married on September 27, 1952, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, Minnesota. A short time after her marriage, Marilyn was cast in a lead role with the Phil Silvers traveling show, The Top Banana. However, by this time, Marilyn and Larry were expecting their first child. Marilyn gave up her stage career and instead chose to raise a family of six children.

As a young wife and mother, Marilyn continued her musical journey by performing in local opera productions. She auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera on two separate occasions. In 1957, the couple relocated to Texas and eventually moved to Shreveport where they settled. 

Marilyn was an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist. She was the cantor and music director at multiple churches in the Shreveport area. After the last of her six children started school, Marilyn began a twenty-three year career as a music educator in the Caddo Parish School System. Although she taught at several different schools, her fondest memories are the times she spent teaching music to the students at Hosston, Rodessa, and Ida, Louisiana on Highway 71 North. 

It was at this time that the family lived in Dixie, Louisiana, making friends for a lifetime. While living in Dixie, Marilyn founded a performing group called The Young Americans comprised of children from the Dixie community. The group performed at hospitals, nursing homes, and even earned a television performance on a Saturday morning show with local celebrity, Bob Griffin. 

Upon retirement, Marilyn played an active role in babysitting and mentoring her fifteen grandchildren. She continued her career in liturgical music. She was also known as a powerful prayer warrior offering never-ending prayers, rosaries, Masses, and sacrifices for anyone who reached out to her in need of prayer. 

Most recently, Marilyn was featured as the matriarch of the popular YouTube channel Three Generations Singing. The YouTube channel promotes family and faith and showcases Marilyn, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren performing various musical selections.   Thankfully, Marilyn’s incredible talent is captured in these memorable videos for all to enjoy for years to come.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Lawrence Wayne Pettiette, Sr.; parents, Mary Hlaad Prozinski and Anthony Prozinski, Sr.; grandchild, Kevin Damian Doolin and siblings, Evangeline Tuholsky, Sr., Bernadine Prozinski and Lt. Colonel Anthony Prozinski, Jr. 

Marilyn is survived by her children, Lawrence Wayne Pettiette, Jr. (Janey), David Douglas Pettiette, Sr. (Cynthia), Dr. Mary Pettiette Mildner (Norbert), Dr. Julia Pettiette Doolin (Tim), Dr. Claire Pettiette Hall (Jeff), and Philip Joseph Pettiette. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, Michael Anne Calhoun, Captain Lawrence Pettiette, III (Air Force), Rose Pettiette, David A. Pettiette, Lauren Lee Schewel, David Pettiette, Jr., Juliana Pettiette, Erich Mildner, Timothy Doolin, Sean Doolin, Liam Doolin, Kelleen Doolin, Christopher Hall, Ben Hall, and Anthony Hall.  Rounding out her legacy are nine great-grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by nieces Maureen Klosowski and Paula Prozinski Mancini and her nephew John Prozinski, all residing in Minnesota.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 26, 2024, during the hours of 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104. A Rosary will follow after the visitation. Marilyn’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 522 E. Flournoy Lucas Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana 71115, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Monsignor Rothell Price. 

Serving Marilyn Pettiette as pallbearers will be Captain Lawrence Pettiette, III, David A. Pettiette, David Pettiette, Jr., Erich Mildner, Timothy Doollin, Sean Doollin, Liam Doolin, Christopher Hall, Ben Hall and Anthony Hall. 

A special thanks to caregivers Mary, Michelle, and Jessica, and to the amazing Willis-Knighton Hospice nurses, Christy and Monica. A hero’s shout-out to her son, Philip (P.J.) Pettiette for providing loving care above and beyond the call of duty, particularly during the last few months of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending a donation to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, or St. Joseph Catholic Church all located in Shreveport, Louisiana.