Dr. Rocío del Pilar Calle

Dr. Rocío del Pilar Calle passed away peacefully at her home on May 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on March 30, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Ochsner Hospital, Rocío was the beloved daughter of Juan and Teresa Calle and the little sister to her brother Fernando. Her life was one of quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Rocío’s path to becoming a physician began with her early education at the Academy of the Holy Angels in New Orleans, where she graduated in 1980. She continued her studies at the University of New Orleans, earning a degree in Chemistry in 1984. She went on to attend medical school at Louisiana State University (LSU), where, with dedication and hard work, she solidified her passion and refined her training. She then continued to Ochsner Medical Center for training in Clinical and Surgical Pathology in 1994, pursued a specialization in Cancer Pathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, followed by a fellowship in Oncological Pathology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, class of 1996. Rocío further honed her expertise through a Surgical and Cytopathology Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia from 1996 to 1997.

For over two decades, Rocío practiced Clinical and Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology at MD Pathology in Plano, Texas. She was deeply respected in her field and known for her skill, empathy, and commitment to patient care.

Along with her passion for knowledge and caring for others, Rocío was an avid traveler, visiting many unique places around the world and enjoying new adventures. She also cherished her time at home, where she would often relax by her pool or curl up in her favorite chair watching movies with her family. She found joy and comfort in these quiet moments with her loved ones, as well as with her beloved Bengal cats.

Rocío is survived by her loving husband, Richard Neely. His dedication to her care during her illness and unwavering love was a testament to their deep bond. He was by her side through every step of her battle, providing her with comfort and strength.

She is also survived by her two sons, Jonathan Renaud Rodrigue and Benjamin Luis Rodrigue. She dedicated her life to raising her boys, and they are her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Also survived by her husband Richard’s daughters: Hunter (fiancé Jake), Hayden (husband Logan; children Cooper, Charlie, and Piper), and Hadley (husband Dustin; child Harvey).

She is also survived by her mother, Teresa Calle Gonzales, whom she loved deeply and made sure she wanted for nothing. Rocío was a wonderful daughter, always providing her mother and father with love and care.

Along with her mother, Rocío is also survived by her sibling Fernando Juan Luis Calle and his daughters Erica (children Hayden, Dawson, and Norah) and Sarah (husband Chris; children Sophia, Edward, and Sabrina). Rocío and Fernando shared a special bond, often playing pranks on each other, but in her final years, their relationship grew even closer as they supported each other through life’s challenges.

She is preceded in death by her father, Juan Luis Calle, who was so proud of everything his daughter accomplished.

Though Rocío’s time with us was far too short, her legacy of love, strength, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to know her. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the deep kindness she extended to all who knew her. She touched the lives of many — as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and physician — and leaves behind a legacy of grace and generosity that will never be forgotten.

There will be a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.  A reception will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dr. Rocío Calle’s name to Prince of Peace Catholic Church.