Mona Laird Rafeedie

Mona Guidroz Laird Rafeedie, 58, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away December 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Mona was born in Baton Rouge, the daughter of Mary Jane and Frank Guidroz, Jr., and the youngest Guidroz girl. She enjoyed growing up with her three adoring sisters, forever cherishing their memories together. Her childhood was filled with a bright, untamed spirit that she carried with her always. She was a 1985 Beta high school graduate of Starkey Academy.

Mona began her professional career at Janet Parker Court Reporters, a job she loved. It was a wonderful time working for Jean Davis learning business etiquette and many interesting and important skills. She served as Executive Assistant to Brenda Guy at Delta Environmental Products, who was equally as wonderful and from whom she learned the art of professional written and verbal communication. In 1997, she was acknowledged as the Executive Assistant of the Year. In 1998, she was awarded the Outstanding Administrative Employee of the Year.

In 2008, at the urging of her husband, Peter, she took the leap and founded Corporate Resources, Professional Placement Services. During that time, she met many clients who became friends, and became an active member of numerous business organizations in Baton Rouge including Ambassador for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, member of American Business Women’s Association serving as President, and voted Woman of the Year in 2015, and Top Ten Business Woman of la Capitale Chapter. An important and intricate part of her business was joining Premier BNI, where she was a member for 12 years, served on the Board in all positions, and most importantly made lifelong friendships. She retired in 2025, closing a proud chapter marked by over 15 years in business, more than 300 placements, and over 100 clients.

Mona is first and foremost, a devoted Christian. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren deeply. Mona and Peter shared over 20 years of love, laughter and many wonderful trips and adventures to Biloxi being her favorite. Some of her happiest days were spent there, with Peter, on the water in their boat. She often said Peter was her rock, her protector who always put her first. Their love was steadfast, and in these last few years, he cared for her with unwavering devotion. To Mona, meeting Peter was the beginning of her life’s greatest love story, her safe place, her steady companion, and her constant blessing. She thanked God every day for the love they shared.

In 2009, Mona endured one of life’s greatest heartbreaks when her beloved first-born son, James, passed away in a tragic car accident at the age of 19. Though the loss left an enduring mark on her heart, she carried James’ memory with grace and unending love. From his first breath to his last, he was her pride and joy, a child she cherished deeply in every way. Mona found comfort and strength in her faith, holding hope in the promise of one day being reunited with her son. Today, we take peace in knowing that mother and son are together again.

Mona treasured her children and stepchildren, and the deep bonds she shared with each of them. Mona cherished her daughter Jena and the deep bond they shared. Together they faced many difficult seasons, especially while grieving the loss of their beloved son and brother. Their love and support for one another were evident to all who knew them. Mona admired Jena’s strength, courage, and resilience, and she was proud of the thoughtful, caring mother and accomplished professional Jena became. Pure joy returned to Mona’s life when Jayla, Jena’s firstborn child and Mona’s first grandchild, was born. Her grandchildren brought comfort, happiness, and the greatest joy to her heart.

Mona was also a loving and dedicated mother to her son Logan. She supported him proudly through his football years and remained deeply proud when he joined the United States Army after high school. Her heart held closely, every memory of raising Logan from dinner time with meals she cooked, games she cheered at, and every moment she worked to give her children the best life she could.

Mona enjoyed many Friday night high school football games, watching her son Logan and stepson Patrick play ball together. She was known for her passionate sideline spirit and was never shy about voicing her opinion when she disagreed with a referee’s call. Those Friday nights were some of her favorite memories – watching her boys under the lights, cheering them on with excitement.

Mona shared a special bond with Patrick, her stepson. Their frequent phone conversations brought her comfort and joy. Even with the miles between Louisiana and Texas, their relationship remained strong and meaningful.

To know Mona was to know she had a delight in the finer things of life. With her stepdaughter, Alexis, this is something the two shared in common. Their mutual appreciation for elegance and beauty created a unique connection that Mona always cherished.

Special thanks to the excellent medical team and staff:

Dr. Lauren Zatarain, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; special greeter, Orlando; “Dr. Mo”, Mohammad AL Efishsat, Franciscan Missionaries Surgeon Group and staff; The Hospice of Baton Rouge, Tiffany Martin Glynn, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Brigette and Dee Dee for their endless support during Mona’s courageous battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by her son James Carroll Laird III, her father Frank Guidroz, Jr., and her brother-in-law David Miller.

Survived by her loving husband Peter Rafeedie, her daughter Jena Laird, her son Logan Laird, her stepson Patrick Rafeedie, her stepdaughter Alexis Rafeedie, grandchildren, Jayla, James, Michael, bonus grandchildren Addison and Aiden, her mother Mary Jane Guidroz, her sisters, Sonia Hearn (Brooks), Brenda Bates (Jeff), Linda Miller, her mother in law Nancy Rafeedie, her sister in laws Christina Melancon (Billy), Marianne Rafeedie, Janelle Rafeedie and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Dwayne Belello, Jr., Jacob Miller, Wade Thibodeaux, Boyd Adams, Johnny Jasco, Hunter Hoyt, and Michael Oakley. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Bates, Robbie Angelloz, Trevor Sibley, David Laird, Nick Oufnac, and Chris King.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

If I didn’t get to say goodbye, please know that I love you all. I will see you again one day.

“You’ll find my footprints in the sand.” - Mona

The music of Chris Tomlin helped Mona through her cancer battle. Please listen when you can.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at Seale Funeral Home, 1720 S. Range Ave, Denham Springs on Friday, December 19, 2025 with for a visitation starting at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. The visitation will continue on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 8:00 AM until the funeral service at 10:00 AM, conducted by her nephew Kale Guidroz Kinchen. Graveside service will immediately follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.