Evelyn May Hebert Schexnayder

Evelyn May Hebert Schexnayder, a lifelong resident of Gretna, LA, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the age of 88. She was the wife of the late Leonard John Schexnayder, Sr. Beloved mother of Jane Soslow (Neil), Lynn Demeure (Anthony), Lucien Schexnayder (Lila), Mary Kass (Gregory), Maria Roussel (Gregory) and mother-in-law of Rhonda Lucus Schexnayder (George). Grandmother of Annie Kreisman Pirrone (Rigel), Christi Schexnayder Bucci (Mark), Heather Schexnayder, David Schexnayder Jr, Jacob Schexnayder, Rachel Kass, Gregory Kass, Kristen Kass, George (Geordy) Schexnayder Jr, Lucas Schexnayder, Robert Schexnayder, Gabrielle Roussel, Garrett Roussel, and Gavin Roussel. Great-grandmother of Leah Hindman, Amberly Atkins, Matthew Bucci, Katelyn Bucci, Anthony Bucci, and Isaabella Bucci. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, Thomas Johnson, Margaret Grantham, Eric Johnson, Theresa Murdick, Vernon and Matthew Johnson and their families. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Adlin Hebert and Mary Elizabeth Hebert. husband Leonard John Schexnayder Sr, sons Leonard J Schexnayder Jr, David M. Schexnayder Sr, George V. Schexnayder Sr, grandchildren Brian Cucullu and Erica Schexnayder, sister Elizabeth Ann Hebert Johnson, brother Frederick Hebert and nephew Carson Johnson. Evelyn worked as a music teacher at Beth Israel Preschool and an administrative assistant at John Ehret High School and Paui Solis Elementary School, within the Jefferson Parish Public School System until her retirement. She and her husband provided catering services to the Good Fairies of Hullen Ridge both in Kenner and Metairie. She was active in the Gretna Recreation and Instructional Department. She enjoyed traveling with her family, close friends and members of her husband’s WWII ship reunion group during her retirement years. Evelyn was dedicated to her family and her faith and was proud of the contribution that she and her family made to St. Anthony Church and School. Her long service in St. Anthony Parish as a committed parishioner included various officer positions in the PTA, organizing and performing in school events, Girl Scout leader, directing and teaching in the catechism program and the Sunday School program, a member of the Ladies Altar Society, St. Anthony Ladies Club, served as a Lector and sang in the choir. She shared her love of music by participation in various music and dance groups throughout the area from variety shows in schools, barbershop quartet and chorus activities, her church choir, line-dancing in senior centers, and just playing the piano and singing at home. One of the first things she replaced after losing her home to a fire was a piano. She was Young Woman of the Year in Gretna, LA in 1959, Regional Novice Quartet Champion in Sweet Adelines International 1967, received the Order of St. Louis from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Queen of the May in Rivertown (Kenner, LA) in 1988, and was nominated for the Regina Matrum Award in 2003. She was a member of the Gretna Historical Society. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Berenson of NOLA Doc, to the staff of Home Instead, Serenity and Egan Hospice Services, as well as her caregiver, Ana Perez. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at St. Anthony Church, 924 Monroe Street, Gretna, LA. Visitation from 10am-12pm followed by Mass at 12pm. Interment follows at Westlawn Cemetary in Gretna, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Anthony Mission Church of St. Joseph, 924 Monroe St., Gretna, LA 70053.