Mary Jane Gelpi

Mary Jane Gagnier Gelpi of Baton Rouge, LA passed away peacefully with her children by her side on April 1, 2026 at the age of ninety-four.

Devoted wife of fifty-seven years to the late John Guy Gelpi, daughter of the late Frances Beaubien Gagnier and Edgar Joseph Gagnier. Sister of Vincent Edgar Gagnier. Mother to Dr. Gregory John Gelpi and wife Deborah Kleinpeter Gelpi and Judith Gelpi Jackson and husband Spencer Davis Jackson, Sr. Grandmother to Amanda Gelpi, Emilie (Andy) Shepherd, Davis (Lex) Jackson, Preston (Danielle) Jackson, and Kendall (Aaron) McLellan. Great grandmother to Theo Shepherd and Julia and James Jackson. Mary Jane also leaves behind many beloved friends, family members, nieces, and nephews and their spouses.

Mary Jane was born in Centerline, Michigan. She received her B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Marygrove College, Detroit, MI and completed her Dietetic Internship at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, Staten Island, NY before accepting her first station in New Orleans in 1954. She was commissioned in the USPHS, serving seven years. As an inactive reserve corps member, she was later promoted to Commander. In 1967, on the cutting edge of computerization, she worked at Tulane University, N.O. as a Research Dietitian in Computer Systems Research and later worked for Management Optimization Systems, Inc. and Medicus Systems Corp, Atlanta, GA as a Consultant Systems Dietitian. As a registered licensed dietitian, she was employed by Marriott Corp, Washington DC for six years and West Jefferson General Hospital, Marrero, LA for fourteen years as an Administrative & Systems Dietitian. In her accomplished career she served as Director of Food and Nutritional Services in New Orleans at Eye & Ear Institute of LA, Mercy Hospital, Alton Ochsner Medical Institutions, Hospital Division, and Southern Baptist Hospital.

Utilizing her gifts of organization and administration she enhanced many organizations. She was especially passionate about the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which she was a member of throughout her career and into her eighties. She served as board member of the American Society for Hospital Food Service Administrators (ASHFA); and as President of the following organizations: Louisiana Dietetic Association, ASHFA Bayou Chapter, P.E.O. Chapter AL and AJ, Fleur de Lis Garden Club, St. Andrew the Apostle SAGES, St. George Golden Oaks, and St. Andrew the Apostle Ladies Guild.

She and Johnny relocated to Baton Rouge in 2007 at which time they began playing Bridge at BREC. At the age of ninety-one, she earned her Life Master status. She was an active member of the Baton Rouge Duplicate Bridge Club until the present.

Mary Jane moved to St. James Place in 2024 and immediately immersed herself into the community enjoying many connections.

Beyond her numerous accomplishments, Mary Jane witnessed nearly a century of history. She often remarked that her greatest blessings were her joyful relationships with family, good health, and devotion to her Catholic faith. She will be remembered for her abundant energy, devoted friendships, impeccable style, commitment to keeping family traditions alive, and for being a woman truly ahead of her time!

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to honor Mary Jane to St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3101 Eton Street, New Orleans, LA 70131; St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or P.E.O. International (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter AJ: Scholarship Fund in honor of Mary Jane Gelpi PO Box 862, Baton Rouge, LA 70821

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Public Visitation will begin at 9:30AM until 10:45AM; Words of Remembrance at 10:45AM, Funeral Mass at 11AM until 12 Noon and Reception in the Kleinpeter Center at St. George from 12PM until 1PM. Interment will follow at 2:30PM at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this difficult time. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences at mothefunerals.com.