Gaynell Carolina Gros

In Loving Memory of Gaynell Carolina Gros

Gaynell Carolina Gros, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully returned to the Lord on October 30, 2026, at the age of 99.

Born in McDonoghville, Louisiana, Gaynell grew up on the West Bank and graduated from Behrman High School. She went on to work as an executive secretary for the United Fruit Company. In 1955, she married Noel V. Gros, and they shared 44 years of a loving and joyful marriage rooted in their faith. Together they made their home in Algiers, where they raised their four children.

Faith was the foundation of Gaynell's life. She held a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was a member of the Marian Sodality, the Third Order of Mary, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. In 1987, the Archdiocese of New Orleans awarded her the Order of St. Louis Medallion, an honor presented to laypersons who have shown outstanding and unselfish service to the Catholic Church. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Julian Eymard Church.

Gaynell took great pride in her four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She taught her children the value of family and education, and she was proud that they were the first generation to complete college. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Maw Maw," remember her house as alive with joy and fun. She was a steady, loving presence who made sure homework was not just done but done well, and she cheered them on at soccer games, dance recitals, and everything in between.

Never one to slow down, Gaynell was an avid reader and took art and computer classes. She hiked in her 70s, rowed a boat in her 80s, and could outdance her kids and grandkids into her 90s. She had a hug for everyone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and son-in-law.  Gaynell is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church, 3500 Ames Avenue, Marrero, Louisiana, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, for visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Rosary and eulogies will begin at 11:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 pm celebrating Gaynell's life. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates you remembering Gaynell in your prayers.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gaynell's many caregivers in her later years.

Memories of her smile, hugs, and faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.