Olga Ann Killian Pounders

Olga Ann Killian Pounders passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 12, 1944, Olga was the youngest daughter of John D. Killian of St. Louis, MO and Elizabeth Graf Killian of New Orleans, LA. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by intelligence, grace, and creativity.

Raised in New Orleans alongside her siblings, Elizabeth Killian Davis, Kenneth Killian and John Killian, Olga excelled from an early age. She attended Sacred Heart School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Orleans. Her affection for Sacred Heart remained lifelong; decades later, she was listed among the Class of 1962 honorees celebrated at the alumni association’s 50th reunion.

Throughout her life, books were among Olga’s earliest and most enduring loves. As a child, she read her way through the entire collection of her elementary school library so quickly that the school granted her special permission to begin reading from the high school shelves. Even then, it was clear that her curiosity and intellect reached far beyond the ordinary.

As a teenager, Olga’s interests expanded into the technical world as well. In 1958, she was listed in Popular Electronics magazine as Olga Ann Killian of New Orleans studying radio code and theory; an interest she learned from her father. It was an early reflection of the inquisitive mind that would later guide her into the fields of administration and programming.

As a Girl Scout, Olga earned the organization’s highest honor of her time, the First-Class Award; later recognized as the equivalent of today’s Gold Award.

Olga also had a lifelong love of dance, studying from the age of eleven through twenty-four. The grace and dedication she developed through those years of dance stayed with her and became part of the quiet confidence with which she carried herself throughout her life.

Olga began her professional life as a secretary, but she was never content to stop learning. Over the years, she advanced to become an administrator and programmer for Lykes Brothers Steamship. Later, she served as administrator of a campuswide University of New Orleans information technology help desk, overseeing operations that supported students, faculty, and staff. Her career reflected the same qualities that defined her in every setting: steadiness, competence, curiosity, and quiet excellence.

Olga shared a 47-year marriage with Anthony Jack Lord Pounders, until his death in 2014. Olga spent most of her life in New Orleans and her final years in Baton Rouge.

Her hands were rarely still. Olga loved sewing and spent many years in leadership within the New Orleans chapter of the Smocking Arts Guild of America. She also enjoyed crochet, travel, calligraphy, and photography. She delighted in games of patience and strategy, especially solitaire and Mahjong. Whether with a needle, a book, a camera, or a deck of cards, Olga brought focus, care, and a discerning eye.

Olga is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Jack Lord Pounders, her parents, John D. Killian and Elizabeth Graf Killian; her brother, Kenneth Killian, and her grandson, Luke Cire.

She is survived by her children, Anthony Jack Pounders Jr. (Wendi); Jacqueline Ann Pounders Cire Jacobs (Kurt), and Adam Pounders (Enny); her sister, Elizabeth Killian Davis, her brother, John Killian, and her grandchildren, Abigail Fontaine (Kyle), Archer Pounders, Shep Pounders, Elizabeth Cire, Caspian Jacobs, and Ariadne Jacobs and great granddaughters Lillian Fontaine and Lila Fontaine.

She will also be remembered with love by extended family and dear friends whose lives were brightened by her wisdom, wit, and steady affection.

Olga will be remembered for her sharp mind, capable hands, and steadfast spirt. She leaves behind the example of a life well read, beautifully made, and deeply loved.

Donations are welcome in lieu of flowers at the following links:

Cancer Services of Baton Rouge (supports cancer patients with needed supplies and services):

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/3vdj/n?vid=1pa1ps

or

Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center (cancer treatment center)

https://app.betterunite.com/marybirdperkinscancercenter-makeagift/donate?a=0

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, Louisiana. A funeral Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m., with burial to follow at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Ave, Gretna, Louisiana. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.mothefunerals.com