Connie Negrotto

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Janie Spearman

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Connie Negrotto

August 08, 1924 - July 06, 2019

Join us in celebrating the life of Connie Negrotto . Contribute to this lasting memorial by sharing stories, memories, photos, and videos. Share this memorial with family and friends, and if you would like to join the family after the service, let us know to help us plan.

OBITUARY

CHANGE IN PLANS: Visitation on Sunday at 1:00 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 still at St Jean Vianney. The long and full life of Constance “Connie” Lenora Hinkel Negrotto ended peacefully on July 6, 2019 in her home in Baton Rouge at the age of 94. Born in New Orleans on August 8, 1924 to the late Ralph C. and Inez (Telotte) Hinkel, she spent most of her life as a resident of Lakeview. She is survived by daughters... see moreCHANGE IN PLANS: Visitation on Sunday at 1:00 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 still at St Jean Vianney. The long and full life of Constance “Connie” Lenora Hinkel Negrotto ended peacefully on July 6, 2019 in her home in Baton Rouge at the age of 94. Born in New Orleans on August 8, 1924 to the late Ralph C. and Inez (Telotte) Hinkel, she spent most of her life as a resident of Lakeview. She is survived by daughters Darlene Negrotto (Foster Smith) and Diane (Negrotto) Spearman (Joe) and their sons Brett (Khem), Eric (Chrissy) and Scott (Janie), and great grand children Alyssa, Tyce, Alin, Shahn, and step great grandchildren Skylar and Ella. She is also survived by lifelong friends Muriel (Bonie) MacHauer and Audrey (Schwartzenburg) Maduell. She is preceded in death by her brother Ray Hinkel and her beloved husband Allen Jules “A.J.” Negrotto.

As a student at Lakeview School she became friends with Muriel and Audrey who shared life’s joys and sorrows for 90 years. A member of the Greatest Generation, Connie endured the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II with the strength and determination typical of that generation. After graduating from Eleanor McMain Secondary School, she studied art at Rabouin. Her artistic skill garnered her a position at Higgins Industries to create presentation boards for Mr. Higgins’ meetings at the Michoud facility. Her tale of the daily 17 mile journey from Lakeview to Michoud is included in the National World War II Museum’s Arsenal of Democracy (her full oral history can be found at ww2online.org). After Higgins fulfilled its production contract, she went to work at Consolidated-Vultee as a technical illustrator, creating detailed scaled drawings for pilot and mechanic manuals for the Catlina PBYs. Like her friends and family members, she worked tirelessly on the war effort, collecting metals, wrapping bandages and providing meals and comfort for visiting troops.

Following the war, she captured the heart of her next-door neighbor, A.J. Negrotto, and they were married in 1946. After being stationed in Sanford, Florida for 2 years, they returned to Lakeview with young daughter Diane, where Connie lived until hurricane Katrina. Her working career included drafting for the burgeoning oil and gas industry. From the 60s until ’05, she was a well respected and sought after colorist for local photographers, adding oils to sepia portraits. Many of her works of community leaders hang in area hospitals and businesses, and she was proud to know that families cherished works of loved ones.

Connie was a longtime and active member of the American Legion, Post 288, the Lions Club and other social/civic organizations in Lakeview. Her joie de vivre helped her overcome the devastating losses of Katrina, to enjoy a new home and life in Baton Rouge and to take the floods of 2016 in stride. In her later years after A.J.’s passing, Connie enjoyed extensive travels with Dale Arner, as well as trips with family. During visits to Darlene in Birmingham, she made many dear friends who became an extended family. Her pride in the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, her sassy sense of humor and her love of life and her family will long live on.

Family and friends are invited to commemorate her life between 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, with a memorial service at 11:00, both at St. Jean Vianney, 16166 Harrells Ferry Rd. in Baton Rouge. Interment at Greenwood cemetery at 10:30 on Monday, July 15. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Rosie the Riveter Association, 8336 Valley Oaks Dr., North Richland Hills, TX 76182; or to the National World War II Museum.

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Scott Spearman added 10 photo(s) to the memorial Connie Negrotto :

July 11, 2019

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