Archive for the ‘Lousiana’ Category

Martha Blankenship (Ed.D. ’69)

Martha Elise Blankenship, having lived a full and happy life, died peacefully on November 29, 2025 at age 92. Elise was born July 4, 1933 in Baton Rogue, LA to loving and caring parents, Macon O’Bryant and Louise Jackson Blankenship, now deceased. Elise is survived by her sister, Ella Aimee Walton. She was predeceased by her brother, Macon Blankenship, Jr.

Elise had a deep and abiding love for the Methodist Church where she taught the youth group at her church for many years.

Elise was a Teacher, with a capital “T”, always striving to help students learn, grow, and develop socially and emotionally. In preparation for her profession, Elise earned the following degrees: Centenary College, B.S., Elementary Education; University of Maryland, M.Ed., Child Growth and Development; Syracuse University, C.A.S., Brain Injured Children (Learning Disabilities); and University of Houston, Ed. D., Special Education.

Elise often said that each of her degree programs added to her understanding of children and her work preparing teachers and educators at the university level. One of her greatest contributions to education was in 1972 when she and her colleague, Dr. Jean Lokerson (deceased) developed The Simulations of Learning Disabilities, a creative educational program still used today with prospective teachers as an in-service teaching activity at the beginning of the school year. The LD Simulations remind teachers of the individual student’s learning, growth and development patterns needed to master the school curriculum. She and Dr. Lokerson also created, developed and produced two films featuring appropriate educational services for preschool handicapped children, A Place to Learn and A Place to Grow. The film A Place to Grow was shown at the American Film Festival in New York.

Throughout her professional career, Elise enjoyed lifelong friendships as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an honorary education society; The Council for Exceptional Children-Learning Disabilities CEC-DLD; and the Learning Disabilities Association of America LDA. Throughout her career Elise served on many Professional Boards as President, Committee Chair and other offices in these national organizations. Year after year, Elise and her colleague, Jean Lokerson, were invited to make presentations at national and international conferences throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Elise would often tell others, “I have had a wonderful career in the field that I truly loved and enjoyed.”

Elise’s favorite pastime was dinner with fellow university colleagues and friends. She enjoyed classical music, the symphony, theatre, and the opera. For several years, Elise enjoyed singing in the opera chorus during the years when the Metropolitan Opera performed in Texas-Louisiana cities. After retirement, Elise traveled throughout the world with friends and colleagues. Elise always enjoyed meeting, talking and laughing with those she met during her travels.

Family and friends wish to thank everyone at Westminster Canterbury-Richmond who made Elise’s life comfortable and beautiful. She thoroughly enjoyed being a part of your lives – those who worked at Westminster Canterbury and those who lived there with her through the years. Everyone was special to Elise.

Elise is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed all along the way.

A Memorial Service will be held for Elise at the Chapel at Westminster Canterbury on December 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Burial will be private at the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Francesville, LA. Elise will be laid to rest with her beloved parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your Church, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Henrico, VA or the Westminster Canterbury Employee Fund, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227.

Lisa Chmiola (’98)

Lisa Chmiola is serving as Assistant Vice President, Development at Loyola University New Orleans. Additionally, she continues her volunteer service with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as the Vice Chair of External Relations on the Global Board. In her work with AFP, she was part of the advocacy which led to a non-itemizer deduction being restored into tax law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

James K. Grigsby (’56)

James K. Grigsby
August 11, 1933 — February 17, 2020
New Iberia – Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia for James K. Grigsby, 86, who passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, February 17, 2020, in New Iberia. Rev. Creig Davis will officiate. Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday from 8:30am until 2:00pm. A longtime resident of New Iberia, James K. Grigsby was born in Houston, Texas on August 11, 1933 to the late James Toliver Grigsby and Etta Keltner Grigsby. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, then continued his education in Post-Baccalaureate Studies majoring in Math and Physics. James was a 32nd Degree Master Mason, and a member of Kappa Alpha Oder Fraternity. He was also a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, European Assn. of Exploration Geophysicists, Assn. of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta, the Geophysical Society of Houston, where he served as President (1980-81), and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, where he served as 2nd Vice President (1983-84). He enjoyed a 40-year career in Geophysics, managing seismic exploration for oil and gas throughout the world. He managed operations in the United States, Alaska, Canada, South America, Europe, the Far East, and Australia. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, snow skiing, and golf, but not necessarily in that order! He particularly enjoyed fishing in the Louisiana marsh with his beloved wife, Carolyn, the love of his life for many years. He cherished time spent with his family, especially hunting at their deer lease in the Texas Hill Country, snow skiing in Colorado, and golfing at Squirrel Run Golf Club in New Iberia. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Carolyn Bayard Grigsby; sons, Clark H. Grigsby and spouse Darin, and Matthew K. Grigsby; stepdaughters, Carla A. Dworaczyk and spouse Dennis, and Katie M. Hunter; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Juanita H. Grigsby; and his beloved six year old son, Kyle K. Grigsby. Pallbearers will be Matthew K. Grigsby, Dennis Dworaczyk, Justin Dworaczyk, Dr. Shane Fontenot, Jimmy Hunter, and Andy Clay. Honorary pallbearer is Daniel Dworaczyk. The family would like to especially thank James’ personal caregivers, Josephine Lively, Sheena Linscomb, Beverly Vallier, & Jalesa Hurst for their exceptional care, love and support; and the staff of Grace Hospice and Azalea Estates. Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to Grace Hospice and Palliative Care, 217 Rue Louis XIV – Suite 100, Lafayette, LA 70508 (337-948-9004); or Alzheimer’s Association, Louisiana Chapter, 3445 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 902, Metairie, LA 70002 (504-613-6505). Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.

William Emile Simon (Ph.D. ’70)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Carencro for Dr. William E. Simon, 83, who passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at his residence in Lafayette with his family by his side.

Entombment will be in St. Peter’s Mausoleum.

Reverend Christopher Cambre, Pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the Mass.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM . A Rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8:00 AM until time of services.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Evangeline Arceneaux Simon, and grandparents Emile Galbert and Rose Mouton Arceneaux of Carencro, and Auguste and Helen Vincent Simon of Ridge. Simon, Arceneaux and Mouton ancestors are direct from Nova Scotia (came to Acadiana in 1658), and Jean Gentil from Huisseaux sur Cosson (pre’ du Blois), Orleans, France (came to teach five languages at Jefferson College, now Manresa Retreat House, Convent LA, St. James Parish, 1853).

Survivors include his loving wife Elaine Therese Cochennic Simon; three children, John Joseph Simon and Marie Evangeline Simon of Lafayette, and Catherine Marie Simon of Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren, Forest Andrew and Joseph William Simon of Colorado Springs, CO; Jean Pierre LaHaye and Sophia Marie Saussy with sons Nathan William Saussy, Kullen Paul LaHaye and Vera Mae LaHaye all of Lafayette, and Nina Anne Saussy and Caroline Elaine Saussy of Maui, HI.

A resident of Lafayette from 1940-63, he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), at which time he and Elaine were married in 1963 in Golden Meadow, LA. They then moved to Houston, TX where he joined NASA at the former Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), later the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC). While working in the Apollo Program, he earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 from the University of Houston.

He retired from NASA in 1990 after 27 years of service, and began a teaching career spanning 31 years, first as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University in Beaumont, and later in that same capacity from 1996-2007 at USL (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette or UL Lafayette). After stepping down as department head, he continued teaching classes in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and senior design projects, and advising students until his retirement from the university in August 2021.

He and his family lived in his Arceneaux ancestral property on Louis Arceneaux Rd. in Lafayette. His NASA career spanned the Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs, with technical and administrative responsibilities in fuel cell and cryogenic systems development, and other advanced energy conversion systems at that time being considered for the Space Station; multidiscipline advanced development technology management, and large project management. He was also involved in the development of the integrated cryogenic propellant system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter, and as Fuel Cell Section Chief and later Deputy Chief of the Energy Systems Branch, he subsequently served in the Space Station Projects Office as Head of the Advanced Development Office, and later as deputy chief of the JSC Space Station Projects Office until his retirement from NASA in 1990. With a considerable number of publications and technical notes in the areas of aerospace and advanced energy conversion, he was a registered professional engineer in the states of Louisiana and Texas, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Louisiana Engineering Society (LES) in which he was a recipient of the 1998 James M. Todd Technological Accomplishment Award. He was a member of many other technical and honor societies, including the International ASME Department Heads Committee in which he served as Chairman for two years. During his academic career he loved teaching and telling “NASA stories,” his favorite being his involvement in the Apollo 13 incident, and using his aerospace experience in teaching his favorite thermal systems design courses. He also enjoyed helping students succeed and obtain gainful employment in the engineering field, and he has received the Outstanding Advisor Award over many years.

His hobbies throughout life included Boy Scouts (he was an Eagle Scout), with trips to the national Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM both as a boy and later as a scout leader with his son John, and to the Boy Scout High Adventure Quetico- Superior Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. He and the family were also involved in skeet shooting, duck hunting, breeding and training Labrador Retrievers, serving as Treasurer of the Lone Star Retriever Club in Houston, and manager of the JSC Skeet Club. He loved reading and usually had four types of books and authors always in process: spiritual (e.g., Michael O’Brien, or Carmelite formation literature), political (e.g., Victor David Hansen), historical (Champlain, on the founding of Nova Scotia), and a historical fiction tome from some of his favorites (Louis L’Amour, James Michener or Elmer Kelton). He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).

Pallbearers will be John Joseph Simon, Forest Andrew Simon, Joseph William Simon, JP LaHaye, Nathan William Saussy and Kullen Paul LaHaye

As a member of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Carencro, he served with his wife as a Eucharistic Minister to the Homebound, and was a member of the Holy Nolumans BAs meMberS of thie ay teet tes, Province of of host Pure Heart of Mary #1903, he and Elaine enjoyed reading and praying together.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lay Carmelite Community #1903, Mrs. Marianne Kirk, 209 Highland Drive, Lafayette, LA; to the Discalced Carmelite Sisters, 1250 Carmel Drive Lafayette, LA 70501, to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (P.O. Box 40, Carencro, LA 70520) or to any Catholic charity (e.g., Cross Catholic).

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com .

Martin and Castille-DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, LA 70506 337-234-2311.

John E. Gaidry (’55)

John Gaidry Obituary
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for John Edward Gaidry at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 24, 2024, at St Pius X Catholic Church. John, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the 20th of June 2024, at the blessed age of 96, at home in Lafayette, Louisiana. Visitation will be held only on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM at Martin & Castille’s Southside location, 600 E. Farrel Rd, with a recitation of the rosary at 6:00 PM. Reverend James Brady, JCL, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass. Entombment will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum. Left behind to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 74 years, Pearl Broussard Gaidry; his son John Edward Gaidry, II MD and his wife Kim; his former daughter-in-law, Billie Green; his daughter Mary Elizabeth Gaidry Young and her husband Clay; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Gaidry Cervantes and her husband Ricky, Kathryn Della Gaidry, and Camille Marie Young and her fiancé James. He was preceded in death by his father Edward John Gaidry and his mother Jeanette Richard Gaidry, and grandson Dylan Clay Young. John was born on February 21, 1928, in Maurice, Louisiana, to Edward John Gaidry and Jeanette Richard Gaidry. His journey was one filled with love, dedication, and family. John shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife. Their love story began at a school Halloween party in 1942 and continued unbroken through seven years of courtship and countless adventures thereafter. Their total time together, 81 years, was not enough declares Pearl. An alumnus of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics, John, a true scholar, humbly carried the title of high school valedictorian. His fervor for knowledge was paralleled only by his dedication to his country, having honorably served in the Navy during World War II. His career in the oil industry as a geophysicist and an engineer was marked by innovation, notably obtaining a flow control patent. John retired as the screen shop manager of Baker Hughes in Broussard, Louisiana. He was revered by all his colleagues, earning admiration for his contributions and work ethic. Outside of his professional endeavors, John was an avid runner, belonging to the Cajun Road Runners Club, a hobby in which he excelled, winning countless medals well into his sixties. His triumphs included completing the Pensacola Blue Angel Marathon in 1993, and then, the Houston Marathon in 1994, an impressive feat where he outpaced his son-in-law. John was also celebrated for his diverse talents, including his knack for woodworking, painting with water colors, and his passion for music. The stereo systems and short-wave radios he built were emblematic of his talent and patience, and they stand as a testament to his creative spirit. A few of the items he created that are cherished by the family include an exact replica of the destroyer ship he was on in the Navy, USS Wallace L. Lind DD703, the painting of the African Ringneck Parrot that his daughter enjoyed overseas and the Mickey Mouse themed table and chair set built for his grandchildren. Together with Pearl, he enjoyed the experience of live music, especially big band performances that brought back precious memories of an earlier era. As a history buff, he often immersed himself in stories of the past, keeping his mind as active as his body. A man of deep faith, John practiced his religious beliefs with devotion and found strength and solace in his spirituality. John’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the pursuit of knowledge – a life well-lived that will continue to inspire those who knew him best. His family members note that they have never seen a love as deep as what he and his wife Pearl have shared throughout their lives together. His grandchildren will never forget that their PawPaw gifted them each with their best childhood memories and that he truly was the best grandfather ever. As we share stories of his life, his generous spirit, and his enduring love for his family, let us remember a man who was truly remarkable in every endeavor. John Edward Gaidry lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a world that is infinitely richer for his presence among us. He will be sorely missed, but he will be celebrated in the memories that shine brightly, reflecting the life of a man who was truly one of a kind. Special thanks to all of his caregivers, especially Jacqueline Brown, for her dedication and most compassionate care given to John. Also a very special thanks to Jamie Baudoin and the caregivers at The Vincent and also Audubon Hospice. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com. Martin & Castille – Southside, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811

Barry Kimbrough (FS ’18)

JECohen Wealth and Investment Management Firm Announces Four New, Top-Tier Financial Advisors

New Orleans, LA – JECohen, a New Orleans-based registered wealth and investment management firm that empowers people, institutions and communities with transformative investments, continues to expand its roster of top-tier professionals with the addition of new financial advisors.

“We are thrilled to welcome exceptional financial advisors to our growing team,” said Jarrett Cohen, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at JECohen. “At JECohen, we are focused on diversifying the wealth management space and building a team of professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences. Each of these new advisors will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide tailored solutions and better support our clients.”

Barry Kimbrough, FINRA Series 65, brings a wealth of experience to JECohen and his clients, drawing from an extensive background in commercial real estate, financial analysis and securities licensing to practice as a financial advisor.

Barry offers clients a unique perspective and valuable insights into investment strategies and wealth management. Above all else, he prioritizes building trust with his clients and being a reliable resource to them as they pursue financial success and security. Barry earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Houston.

“We are committed to attracting top talent to JECohen as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our expertise. These additions underscore our ongoing commitment to excellence, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for our clients,” added Cohen.

JECohen was founded in 2015 by Jarrett E. Cohen; the company now manages $60 million in assets as of April 30, 2024, and has continued to grow its client base. While JECohen proudly serves a diverse base and has garnered a reputation for providing financial and investment advice that is both sound and altruistic.

To learn more about JECohen visit www.jecohenco.com.

Danny W. Higdon (Ed.D ’72)

Dr. Danny W. Higdon Obituary

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Mary Crawford Higdon of Cookeville; his children Brian Higdon (Kimberly) of Nashville, Paul Higdon (Susan) of Franklin, and Rhonda Higdon England of Cookeville; grandchildren Lindsey Higdon of Franklin, Chelsey Higdon of Mexico Beach, Florida, Thomas Higdon of Franklin and Wade and Jack England of Cookeville. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Kathleen Pittman, Virginia Stovall, Robbie Magliocca, and his brother Emmitt Higdon Jr. He is survived by one brother Gene Higdon (Bella) of Murfreesboro, numerous nieces and nephews, and by his large, extended family in Lake Charles, Louisiana.Danny was born February 9, 1937 in Tioga, Louisiana to Mary Lucretia Daffan and Emmitt DeWitt Higdon Sr. Danny graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1955 and from Northwestern State College in Natchitoches Louisiana in 1959. He immediately enlisted in the Army Security Agency. He served as a Morse code interceptor from 1959-1962 while stationed in Okinawa. He cherished his time in the service and established many lifelong friends. After an honorable discharge from the Service, he worked several years for Conoco Oil as an offshore roustabout in the Gulf of Mexico.His lifelong passion for teaching began when he taught at Hackberry High School in Cameron Parrish while earning his master’s degree from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. He then attended the University of Houston where he earned his Doctor of Education degree in 1973. While obtaining his doctorate, he co-founded and served as the first headmaster at West Briar Private Elementary School.In 1973, Danny moved his family to Cookeville where he was a professor of Education at Tennessee Tech University for 27 years, retiring as the Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction. He loved his time at Tech and made many special and lasting relationships with both students and teachers alike. Danny taught by example and was a mentor to many school teachers and administrators in the Upper Cumberland Area.Danny was devoted to his family and he loved his many years coaching his children’s football, basketball, softball and baseball teams. After his family, his passions included constructing residential homes with his two sons, flying and piloting his airplane, and serving as a Putnam County Commissioner. Danny always enjoyed talking to people and finding out more about them. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren and held a special place in his heart for his childhood friends, high school and college classmates, his army buddies, his co-workers at TTU, and many of the teachers in Putnam County. Danny was beloved as a husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.A memorial service will be announced at a future date. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice

Robert D. LeBoeuf (PHD ’82)

Robert Dellino LeBoeuf died on April 2, 2019, at home in Broken Bow, Okla., at the age of 68 years. He passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness, in the loving arms of his wife of 19 years and 2 days. Bob was born the first son to Hermylee and Andrew LeBoeuf in Lake Charles, La., on March 12, 1951. He was Coonass to the core and called the bayous of Creole his home, where hunting and fishing were his passions. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Hermylee and Andrew LeBoeuf, his grandparents Oliver and Estelle LeBoeuf and Robert and Curry Doxey, and a dear uncle Dallas LeBoeuf. He is survived and forever cherished by his wife of 19 years, Mary, brother from another mother, Paul Hanks, dear cousins Robert J. LeBoeuf, Betty Walters, Cathy Nunez, and Leslie Griffith among others. He is also survived by a virtual army of friends who are too numerous to name.
Bob was a great man, a wonderful husband and true friend to many. He was described by one of his college professors as a man who could see around corners. So, it was obvious to even those who educated him, that he would go beyond the well trodden path. He surpassed what could be taught by text books and universities in his pursuits, not of profit, but of the truth. He had the quiet confidence that let those who would listen know that their life was about to change in very powerful and completely truthful ways. To those who choose to not listen, he would leave them in the dust of their own ignorant confusion. In his years in academics, he said that he felt that he was running against the wind. But in fact, Bob was the wind – easing you along when he had your back, but hurricane force if he was against you.
It seems the only thing that could possibly take Bob down would be cancer. He took a part in conquering it, by discovering a tumor suppressor gene. It seems that cancer retaliated first by trying to take his manhood with aggressive prostsate cancer. When it failed, cancer took the very soul of the man by taking his speech and his intellect. Then we watched these past few months, as he slowly passed like the devastating regression after the tsunami wave that was brain cancer. We can only hope and pray that his cancer research of the past may, like a buried land mine, hit the target in the end.
In lieu of floweres or gifts, please send donations St. Jude or Shriners Childrens Hospitals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by American Press on Apr. 14, 2019.

James M. Felsman (’50)

James M. (Jim) Felsman passed away peacefully on March 29, 2021 surrounded by his immediate family at Westminster Village where he was a resident. He was 5 days away from his 94th birthday. During the past 7 months that he struggled with several medical issues, he liked to say, he might give out, but he’d never give up. Jim was born in Ponca City, OK on April 3, 1927. His family migrated to East Texas where he was raised and graduated from New London High School in 1944. He quickly joined the Navy at age seventeen to help with the war effort and was deployed with the Seabees in the South Pacific Ocean. When the war ended, he attended college and graduated from the University of Houston. In 1956, he was hired by Humble Oil Company (now ExxonMobil). Later that year, he met his bride to be, Lois “Honey” Olmstead in Longview, TX. They married that year and were transferred to Grand Isle, LA before an assignment in Hattiesburg, MS. From there, they moved to New Orleans, LA in 1963 where he retired from ExxonMobil in 1986. In 2001, they relocated to Daphne, AL. Jim had a great love of family and life. He and Lois loved to drive, and the family spent countless hours on the road visiting family around the country and seeing the sites. As a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, he was active with the Vocations Ministry and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He loved the Mass, and even when unable to attend in person, would live-stream the Masses every day. His hobbies included tennis, fishing, golf and later, calling Bingo at Westminster Village. He is preceded by his loving wife of 62 years, Lois (Honey) Felsman, his parents, Aldrich and Clara Felsman and brother Robert Felsman. He is survived by his sister Janet (Jack) Puryear, son Marty (Phyllis) Felsman, Jr. and daughter Margaret Ann (Charles) Anders. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Brian Bankston, Rebecca (Lindsay) Dozier, Keith Felsman, Amy (Cody) Brown and two great grandchildren, Madison and Emma Bankston. In addition to scores of nieces, nephews and his extended “Grand Isle” family, he will be missed on the golf course. Services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne, AL on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00 followed by funeral Mass at 11:00. Interment will be at Belforest Catholic Cemetery in Daphne. His family would also like to thank the staff and caregivers at Thomas Hospital, notably, Colony Rehabilitation, as well as the staff and residents of Westminster Village. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered at Christ the King Catholic Church Vocation Ministry, 711 College Ave., Daphne, AL 36526.

Joanne C. Pertuis (’57)

Jo Anne Centanni Pertuis died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. JoAnne was 86, a native and lifelong resident of Kenner, LA. JoAnne received a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management from the University of Houston in 1956; Teachers’ Certification in Elementary Education from Tulane University in 1967; Masters Degree in Education from Nicholls State College in 1970 and went on to receive her plus 30 hours. JoAnne worked in the St. Charles Parish Public School System as an elementary teacher and principal and served on numerous state boards and committees. JoAnne was a retired principal at St. Rose Primary School; a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, Louisiana AARP, and the St. Charles Parish Retired Teachers Association; and a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. For 49 years JoAnne was the beloved wife of the late Alton John Pertuis. Loving mother of Andre Joseph Pertuis (Debbie), Suzette Marie Pertuis DiGiovanni (Joseph) and Paulette Ann Pertuis Millet (Richard). Grandmother of Lauren Anne Pertuis and Paige Marie Pertuis Stahl (Rudolph). Great grandmother of Rudolph Frederick Stahl, Jr., Paige Diane Stahl, Landen Joseph Pertuis and Aubrey Mae Stahl. Daughter of the late Ione Agnes Fourroux and Joseph John Centanni. Sister of Christian Paul Centanni (Linda). Granddaughter of the late Julia Jumonville Fourroux and Paul Adam Fourroux and Maria Mary Centanni and Castrenze Centanni. JoAnne lived at Christwood in the assisted living wing for 1 years and enjoyed the many friends made there. JoAnne was an inspiration to all whose lives she touched and will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will remain Forever in Our Hearts. Loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. Many thanks to the staff at Christwood, the caring staff at Hospice of St. Tammany and all who helped in taking care of her.

A private service was held at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner on Saturday, October 24, 2020 followed by interment in Jefferson Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.