Patricia Kirby Ansardi

Patricia Kirby “Patsy” Ansardi entered eternal rest on January 4, 2017 at the age of 80 years following a protracted, courageous battle against debilitating Alzheimer’s disease. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Evasovich and Mason M. Kirby, Sr., and sister of the late Mason M. “Matt” Kirby, Jr. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Ray C. “Pete” Ansardi and her son, Ray C. Ansardi, Jr., as well as her nephew, Mason M. Kirby, III, whom she raised as her own. She is survived by her daughter, Rachele Ansardi Drake and grandchildren John Gavin Drake, Cole James Callais, Sarah A. Tesvich (Ante), Ray C. “Tray” Ansardi, III, and daughter in law, Danica Ansardi. She is further survived by her “baby” brother, Judge Michael E. Kirby (Micheline), her Godson, Edward “EZ” Kirby (Leigh) and his siblings, Patrick (Amy) Harvey and Alisa Harvey. She was a special aunt to Jan Marie Kirby and to John Edward Kirby (Lydia), whom she likewise raised as her own, and to John’s children Allyson and Matthew. Patsy is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Raised in lower Plaquemines Parish, Patsy was a lifelong educator in its public, parochial and private schools, having graduated from Loyola University with a degree in elementary education. She derived much joy from youngsters. The number of students whose lives she touched cannot be established with certainty, but she was devoted, to a fault, to children: loving, nurturing, coddling and inspiring them. She never met a student unworthy of her attention. She completed her teaching career in the Job Training Partnership Program assisting older students learn basic skills to help them gain employment. She was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma, professional honor society of women educators.
In her earlier years, Patsy was active in St. Patrick Church, Port Sulphur, La. where at various times she directed the choir, taught catechism and worked with the Ladies Altar Society making sure the church environment was appropriate to its sacred mission, and hosting regular rosaries and “silver tea” fundraisers. After moving to Belle Chasse, she taught catechism at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church until family health issues required her to curtail her activities.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff and fellow residents of The Landing at Behrman Place for the genuine interest and concern they rendered toward Patsy in her final years, assuring that she was safe and comfortable and to Heart of Hospice for their excellent service. Extra special recognition is due to Patsy’s regular caregiver, Celeste Catanese, for her dedicated professional, but tender, loving and very personal attention she gave Patsy, above and beyond the call of duty.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 89698 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, La. from 9:00 a.m. until Funeral Mass time at 11 AM. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Church Cemetery, 28698 Hwy. 23, Port Sulphur, La. Masses preferred in lieu of flowers or other remembrances. Mothe Funeral Homes handled arrangements, to view and sign the online memorial guestbook visit www.mothefunerals.com .