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Page 2C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTJoe Songy spent 16 total years in the U.S. military, starting with the NavalReserve in High School, then eight years with the U.S. Air Force as a navigator (left photo) before spending his days now at Summerfield Park Provence. By KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauSLIDELL – The storiesfor decades from UnitedStates military soldierswho put their lives onthe line to defend ourcountry have beenheard over-and-over.They humbly say, “it’sabout serving our country and defending thefreedoms we have.”Yet, no matter howmany times the storiesget told, many that havereal life-or-death circumstances, it remainsincredible to hear aboutthe bravery our veterans have shown for 250years.United States AirForce veteran Joe Songyis no different than hisbrothers and sisters inarms.With 181 missionsflown in his time duringthe Vietnam War withthe U.S. Air Force in the1960s, Joe admits hismissions into the heartof the Asian countrysideusually meant, “flyingthrough a hail of bullets,50 feet above theground.”Joe barely hesitates orblinks in relating thestories, remarking, “itwas just what we had todo so the next generation, our children, don’thave to do this.”Joe, now 91 and livingat Summerfield ParkProvence in Slidell, recently lost his wife of 68years. Claudette stoodby his side from thetime he met her onenight near Christmas,1956, until recentlypassing away on March20.The couple lived awonderful life together,Joe recalls, whichstarted from the time hewas attending Mississippi State all the waythrough joining the AirForce for 16 total yearsof service that includedthe Naval Reserve inhigh school. After themilitary, Joe’s professional work turned intoeven more fascinatingjobs in electronics andcomputers that werecoming on the scene inthe 1970s when the Internet was gainingheadlines.It was flying that Joeloved from his years atcollege, when helearned from an instructor who had taughtWorld War II pilots. Itwas his love of flyingthat led him to join theAir Force in 1955.Early aptitude testsdidn’t give him thegreen light to be a pilotand the military insteadtrained him to be anelectrician, somethingthat would also provehelpful after he left theAir Force. But he stilldidn’t give up on seeking his pilot’s license inthe military, acceptingan offer to go to Homestead, FL, in 1958 wherethe Air Force had theirB-47 bombers. The military needed pilots andnavigators for theirplanes as Vietnam wasbeginning to heat up.“They told us that ifwe would test for pilotthen they would send usto night school to earn adegree, since you had tohave a college degreeto be a pilot and I hadnever finished at Mississippi State,” he explained.After graduating fromFlorida State in 1959with a Science degree,Joe thought he was onhis way into the blueyonder, but wasshocked at what happened.“I had good grades,so that was not the problem,” he said. “Theygave you a physical andI was told that my eyeswere not good enoughto be a pilot. But thenthey said, ‘but your eyesare good enough to be anavigator!’ “I’m still trying to figure out how that couldbe,” he said with alaugh. “But I was happyto become a navigatorso I could fly, and I laterlearned to love thatjob.”Not only did Joe become a navigator onplanes that flew allaround the world fornearly eight years, buthe found the time flyingat 36,000 feet to be oneof the most inspiringthings he ever experienced.“Most of our flightstook off at night, so youhad to use celestial navigation—that meansnavigating by using thestars,” he pointed out.“Flying in those planesat night, so high up andseeing a sky full of stars,the awesomeness of itwas incredible. And I’lljust say that if you everdid that, and looked upat thousands of stars, itwas impossible to believe there was not aGod.”(See Songy, Pg. 4C)Songy survived 181 flights into heart of Vietnam battle“It was just what we had to do sothe next generation, our children,don’t have to do this.”--U.S. Air Force veteran Joe SongyThe U.S. Soldier:Dedication and Sacrifice
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, May 21, 2026 Page 3C985-643-61333154 Pontchartrain DrSunday 11am to 9pmMon-Sat 11am to 10pm southsidecafe.net SMJoe spent one year trying to see if the priesthood was for him, but laterdecided against it and went back to civilian life.
Page 4C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT\"Gratitude, Respect & Remembrance for yoToour Veterans:our Service\"A Physician Owned EntityyCelebrating over 20 Years of Regional ImpaSince its inception in 2006, the Northshore Bu(NBC) has consistently driven economic vitalitlife across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and WashAs a beacon of innovation and progress, NBC Northshore region into a flourishing center ofcommunity enrichment.actusiness Council ty and quality of hington Parishes. has propelled the f opportunity and thshorebusinesscouAT63COMMITTED BUSINESSESATED5600+STUDIES FUNDEDNBC FORMEDTyThe Northshore Business Council championNorthshore by leading collaborative efforts thbusiness climate and enhance the quality of liTangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.20068JOBS CREA80+INITIANORTHSHOREBUSINESS COUNCILnor g .orTIVESyns a thriving hat foster a vibrant ife in St. Tammany,3uncilJoe and Claudette had three children during their younger days, seenhere with (from left) Suzette Songy Ferrari, Claude Songy and KeanSongy. They also hosted three exchange students over the years: Dag(Norway), David (Sweden), and Anders (Sweden). SONGY: Air Force veteran shares life story(From Pg. 2C)During his early yearswith the Air Force, theVietnam War hadn’tmoved into a time of fullcombat, so the planeswere used to move military personnel aroundthe world. He took soldiers or supplies everywhere from Greenlandto Europe to Africa andmore.But in 1961, “Vietnamgot hot and that becameour job—transportingsoldiers from San Diegoto Guam, and then intothe heart of Vietnam. Wetook them to Manila,would refuel, and had 28minutes to get them toDa Nang, where we leftthe soldiers.”Da Nang was near thesouthern part of theVietnam countryside,but Joe said they hadjust as many missionsthat went to Hue, morethan halfway north,going into the thick ofthe North Vietnameseenemy territory.“I guess I feel fortunate that we never wentdown, especially considering we were flyingwithin 50 feet of theground so they wouldn’tnotice us,” he added.“But nobody ever saidthey were scared. Thereal heroes are thosekids we flew over there,then had to bring backmany of them to theburn center in San Antonio. You never get usedto seeing those kids andwhat they went through.They were the real heroes.”Not only did Joe andthe others fly dozens ofmissions, but the lack ofpilots and navigatorspushed them to a limitnot everyone couldmanage.“We were supposedto have no more than amaximum of 40 hours inthe plane a month,” hesaid. “But that wassomething nobody did.We usually were flying240 hours a month andwhen you have to fly 11straight hours, you getdamn tired. After a whileyou felt like you were amachine, but we didn’tcomplain. Those werethe orders and we wereall volunteers, so nobody said anything. Wejust did it.”(See Songy, Pg. 6C)
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(From Pg. 4C)With the recent national news about twoU.S. pilots who wentdown in Iran at the startof that military conflict,followed by the daringrescue by American soldiers to save both pilots,Joe recounted the instructions they weregiven if their plane everwent down in enemyterritory.“I heard about thosepilots in Iran, and theyhad a lot of trainingabout how to survive iftheir plane went down,”he stated. “We didn’thave any of that otherthan talking to other pilots or navigators whotried to give us advice. Ido remember a missionto Africa when we weretold to not wear dogtags, any ID or rings inthe event we wentdown.“A lot of our missionswere flown from the U.S.to Greenland, over theNorth Atlantic Ocean.There was no kind ofrescue mission there ifyou went down becausewe were told the waterwas so cold you woulddie in 34 seconds if youwent in,” he said.Joe is originally fromNew Orleans and grewup in the River Regionarea of the plantations,including several yearsliving at EvergreenPlantation in Edgard,LA, where he had threesisters and a brother.Heading to Loyola University to study BusinessAdministration, theCatholic influence got tohim in those early yearsand he consideredbeing priest. But afterone year at St. Benedict’s Seminary, “I knewit wasn’t for me.” Thatled to a switch to Mississippi State, flying schooland then the military.(See Songy, Pg. 7C)Page 6C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTWe inst ll vrepaSK FOR TONY jakesrAWASK FOR TONY: airllc.com 228 493 08 228-493-08repair rep•If it's in an RVree Roof.Maintenanc aintenance•We install F or place anythV we can hing!e fl fflffi ff fi \" fi& #% #$$#fl fi( fi #' fl! ) ( \" fl * ( $%fl fi& # #$$# + - , , .( ( ! ,#$/$ 0 2 1 fi( 3 4* ff fi& #%#$$ 6 fi * 555 fl 8\" ff 7 fi 1 ( “We were supposed to have nomore than a maximum of 40 hoursin the plane a month. But that wassomething nobody did. We usuallywere flying 240 hours a month andwhen you have to fly 11 straighthours, you get damn tired.”--Joe SongySONGY: Veteran was been married for 68 yearsAfter 16 years in the military, Joe Songy went on to several other impressive careers and enjoyed life as a civilian, first as an electrician,then among the early computer experts who wrote some of the first software for doctors in Slidell.
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, May 21, 2026 Page 7Cin St. TammSupporting BenJOIN US FOR A Smany and Washingtonn Clayton for District SPECIAL CAMPAIGNn Parishes Court JudgeN RECEPTIONBencommunity and leThe evening wiln and hear his heartrs, and an oppoll include worship, peader ortunity to meet prayer for our (text 985-285-1947 or email: manager@benclayP required by June 1st(light refreshments will be providedRSVBen and hear his heart.DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED BUT NOT REQUIRytonforjudge.com)td)t.RED TO ATTENDJoe and Claudette had 68 years of wedded bliss during their lives together, including three children and three foreign exchange childrenthey took in.“A lot of our missions were flown from the U.S. toGreenland, over the North Atlantic Ocean. Therewas no kind of rescue mission there if you wentdown because we were told the water was socold you would die in 34 seconds if you went in.”--Joe Songy(From Pg. 6C)But Joe was hardly done with a fascinating life following the military, ashe got out in 1966, returning to NewOrleans to sell digital telemetryequipment for Bristol Engineeringbefore getting a job in electronics.“It was the start of the Internet and Iactually got that job after seeing it advertised in a Popular Mechanics magazine,” he said. “I built computers andloved it, then starting writing softwarefor doctors after I moved to Slidell in1973. It was some of the first computersoftware a lot of Slidell doctors everused.”When asked about his thoughts toserve 16 years, it was the conventionalanswer from so many other veterans.“I’m proud of the time I served, andespecially that I volunteered,” he said,with nothing more than the samewords from thousands of U.S. veteransbefore him.SONGY: Slidell man spent 16 years in U.S. military
Page 8C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT& MTHEWomen enEDWomenWH&OMDEFENDED ISTRICT 67 We are here to serve you. for Disabled Veterans:Special Exemption 46.1990LL OFFICE:Se habla español.s Fitzmorris, CLAAMMANY PARISH ASSESSOR V with a VA dis bility • For veterans with the correct disability ra ingrequirement.Exemption does not have an incomeat• e eterans Freeze, this Specialfor Disabled Veterans:may also be elig be eligible.• A surviving spouse of a disa eteranExemption on their home.Exemption in addition to the Homestead50% or more may be entitled to a Special• eterans a rating ofmay alsUnlikfor Disabled Veterans:lgbled vmay alse the Vl Assessment in August to v .action is needed at this time. Check your ing• For veterans with the correct disability ra • If ou have bet ween 50% 69% di -69% disabilityerifyhigher from the VA:a disability rating of 50% orbenefits for all veterans withyatTiered level of expandedg ad valorem taxes ex o yunemployability you are fully exempt from• If y ve a 100% e disa y or75,000 Homestead Exemption.emption abov ourm$45,000 Special Exdisability you are entitled to an additiona• If ou have between 70% and 99%Homestead Exemption.Special Exemption above your $75,000you are entitled to an additional $25,000If you have between 50% 69% disability ye you hav bilitcept for municipalitalLouiST.TA 985.64SLIDEL985.809.8180EMAIL: [email protected] .STPAO.orgCOVINGTON OFFICE:wwwLouiThe stories of the brave live on in the communities they loved.This Memorial Day, Keesler Federal Credit Union remembers with gratitude the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice lives on through their families, their communities, and the freedoms we are entrusted to carry forward.Slidell Locations: 1338 Gause Blvd • 2925 Gause Boulevard East • www.kfcu.org
Thursday, May 21, 2026 Page 9CBy KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauSLIDELL – When youhead down a hall atSummerfield ParkProvence assisted livingcenter, looking for theroom of Joe Songy, it’seasy to pick it out by thebig sign on the doorthat says, “Joe andClaudette.”The couple was married on December 21,1957, almost one yearafter meeting duringthe Christmas season of1956, on an evening outthat Joe tells about as ifit were yesterday.“My best friend ClemBurnell and I were stationed at Keesler AirForce Base in Biloxi,” the91-year-old recalls. “Wewere ready to have a funnight out since we hadgotten there and wereabout to start our training.”Joe says they foundtheir way to a small barand dance hall andhoped to meet a fewyoung ladies to enjoythe evening with.“As soon as I walkedin, I saw the most gorgeous creature,” Joesaid with plenty of enthusiasm. “I told Clem‘There she is. That’s thegirl I’m going to marry.’He told me I was crazy,but three months laterwe were engaged.”The love story of Joeand Claudette is onethat captures your heartwhen listening to himtell it, and it’s probablybecause he speaksabout his wife of 68years with the sameemotion today as he feltover six decades ago.Unfortunately, the lovestory ended two monthsago when Claudettepassed away as the couple was aiming at their69th anniversary.Claudette and Joewere still living recentlyat Park Provence whenshe took a fall earlierthis year, and as frequently happens to senior citizens, it startedher on a downhill slidephysically before passing away on March 20,2026.“I was holding herhand when she passed,”Joe said. “She was mysweetheart for 68 years,and even though she isgone now, she is still mysweetheart.”Joe said they had towait almost a year tomarry because he hadjoined the U.S. Air Forceand was being sent offto boot camp for training, and to be an electrician. He remembers thededication his wife hadto him for all thoseyears, no matter whatchallenges the couplefaced as Joe had toserve overseas duringthe Vietnam War.“She was a teacher inNatchez for severalyears and it didn’t matter what I had to do withthe military, she supported me and tookcare of the family andwaited for me,” he said.“I was so happy beingmarried to her and I stillhave the same love forher today.”The couple eventuallyhad three children, twosons and a daughter,and Claudette did asother military wivesback in that day—shestayed home to raise thechildren as her husbandfought in the war.One thing Joe said hedid throughout their 68years of marriage toconstantly let Claudetteknow of his love was tobuy her gifts that alwaysincluded a heart insome way. Hanging onthe wall in his apartment at Park Provence isa framed group of sevenhearts, all in differentkinds of jewelry, that hepurchased for her overthe years.“Every year I gaveher some kind of heart,”Joe remembers. “I gaveher diamond hearts,wooden hearts, tinhearts—you name it andI would find somethingdifferent.“Every year I told herI would give her myheart over-and-over,” hesaid. “And that’s what Idid for all our years together.”As for any advice foryoung couples gettingtogether, Joe kept it simple.“Never stop tellingher you love her, anddon’t be afraid to tellher you are sorry if youneed to,” he said. “That’swhat helped us stay together and stay happyall those years.”A few of the hearts Songy gave to his wife overthe years.Joe and Claudette looking good on their wedding day (left) and then in later years together during their 68 years of marriage.Joe & Claudette: A beautiful love storyTHE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTKnight Wealth Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, '&%$#\"!% fiffffl!#!fi!#fi #&#!#ff&&%ff#\"!fi ff%! #'&%$ #!!fi#' ##\"'$#'& !!&# fffi#!fi ff%!#!fi!#fi #&#!#ff&&%ff#\"!fi ff%!# fffi #'&%$#&#!#!#&#fi ff!#!#!fi ff%!$#!!#ff% #!!#!fi#ff#!#fififf!#fi!ff&$
Page 10C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTSLIDELL – Former LouisianaSen. A.G. Crowe has spent hisentire life of service in thestate Legislature passing andsupporting legislation thatwas always putting UnitedStates veterans at the top ofhis list.When his wife Linda wasrecently going through an oldbox of family photos, shecame across something thathad to be shared with ourSlidell audience of readers,since it was one more reminder about the dedicationand sacrifice from U.S. soldiers.Linda’s father, Robert Benton McCoin from Bogalusa,served in World War I with agroup of soldiers that mostpeople have probably neverheard of. But the story of thegrueling conditions they endured as servicemen with theU.S. military is worth passingon.McCoin served with “honorand distinction” in the skitroops that specialized in themost demanding conditionsduring harsh winter snow andcold, particularly used by theU.S. brass in mountainous terrain that only these men weretrained to handle.The soldiers endured extreme cold, deep snow, andtreacherous landscapes,often traveling long distanceson skis to carry out reconnaissance, deliver messages,and support combat operations where traditional movement was nearly impossible. “This is yet another greatexample of the dedicationfrom our military for decadesthat has ensured we all havethe freedoms we enjoytoday,” said Crowe. “My father-in-law’s service in such aunit speaks not only to theirphysical endurance and resilience, but also to theircourage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to fellow soldiers and to thiscountry.” McCoin was much morethan a soldier, however, andused to write poems thathighlighted the perseverance, sacrifice and dedication of the U.S. military.“It’s a powerful reminderthat when history is forgotten,it has a way of repeating itself,” Crowe added. “Thoughhis words were written manydecades ago, his message remains just as meaningfultoday.“His poetry reflects a deeplove for and loyalty to ourcountry, expressed sincerelyfrom the heart. Linda and Ihope his words touch you asdeeply as they have touchedus,” Crowe said.Here is an example of apoem written by McCoin.“PEACENIKS and FELLOW TRAVELERS”Many people seem upsetAbout the “H” bomb and supersonic jetTo defend ourselves seemsto bother them tooThey do sit-ins – nothingbetter to doThey appear to have a onetract mindAnd present themselves asbeing kindThey’ve been with us allalongPraising the like of Castroand Viet CongIt’s nothing new they projectPut simply – a different sectThey demand peace at anypriceThought of Siberia – wouldn’t that be niceAs to credentials, they’re incognitoWhat about Hitler, Mussolini and HirohitoTo me they are a bunch ofpatsiesI’ve already fought theNazisMany a friend died alongthe waySo they’re free to have theirsayYet they seemed to havenever learnedFreedom, then and now,must be earned.P.S. I am so thankful mostAmericans reject this philosophy. This is a great country,and it didn’t just happen.Only by remaining strong canwe survive as a nation of freeindividuals.I volunteered and served inPatton’s Third Army, earningthree battle stars. MostAmericans did this willinglyin those days. Those of uswho survived all the warsneed to say this for the sakeof those who did not. Theydid not want to die, but did soto allow all of us, eggheadsincluded, freedom to espousetheir views and causes. Don’tlet America down now.ROBERT BENTON McCOIN(May God continue to GodBless America.A.G. and Linda Crow)INTEGHONESTfor over 40 Our comm Our commfor over 40 HONESTINTEGRITYTY ANDyears...mitmentyears...TY ANDRITYAFTER in all we in all weDon’t waMARKET AND EXTENDEWE ACCEPTe do.ait:ED WARRANTIES!Faster, Better S ,Don t waService!ait:World War I soldier wrote poetry on U.S. soldiers
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(For more information on services,contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 oronline at: honakerforestlawn.com)Marlene Cowan Rice, age 89, ofSlidell, LA, passed away on Thursday,April 30, 2026.Born in New Orleans, LA, she retiredfrom the Highland Park IndependentSchool System in Dallas, TX, where shewas an administrative assistant to theprincipal. She graduated fromMetairie High School.She was a longtime parishioner ofSt. Margaret Mary Church and sang inthe choir, while also serving as a Eucharistic Minister in the nursing homeministry.Peter Dominick Mora, Jr., age 97,of Lacombe, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026.Born in New Orleans, LA, he enlistedin the U.S. Navy and served aboard theUSS Norris and USS Thomas Gary inWorld War II. He was awarded the Victory Ribbon, a=Asiatic Pacific Ribbonand obtained the rank of constructionelectrician 2nd Class.After the service he worked forAT&T as a phone lineman, then retiredin 1982. He served with the Chitimacha Tribal Council with their gaming commission.Ina Lapeyrolerie Brownlow, age96, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026.Born in New Orleans, LA, she was alongtime resident of Slidell who graduated from the St. Mary’s DominicanHigh School and Hotel Dieu School ofNursing, working as a registerednurse for 40 years, primarily with theVeterans Administration.She was a devout Catholic at St. Margaret Mary Church and volunteeredwith the Altar Society, attending Massuntil her health precluded her to doso.She loved the arts, music, dance, literature and film, and was an avidreader who loved to garden andtravel. Jacob Charles Walsdorfg, Jr., age86, of Lacombe, LA, passed away onSaturday, May 16, 2026.Born in New Orleans, LA, he was abank auditor for the FDIC, RTC andmany other banks, and proprietor ofCrescent Oaks which hosted partiesand picnics for over 20 years.He was a Third Degree Knight withthe Knights of Columbus at SacredHeart Catholic Church in Lacombe.He was a member of several jazzclubs and other bands, and enjoyedbowling and being a Mustang car enthusiast. Page 12C Thursday, May 21, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT(For information on services, contactAudubon at 985-645-0600 or online at:audubonfuneralhome.com)Rita Kay Westover Walling, age 79,of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.Born in Grand Forks, ND, she was employed by Hallmark for many years,then was a head teller at Home Bank.A parishioner of St. Luke CatholicChurch, she was a devout Catholic whowas a member of the St. Margaret MaryAltar Society.She enjoyed gardening, playing Pokeno and was a cat lover, frequentlycalled a Cat Whisperer. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to the Tennessee mountains.Mark John Stubenrauch, Sr., age 66,passed away on Wednesday, May 6,2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.Born in New Orleans, LA, he had a career in healthcare as an EMT and wasremembered for his calm, caring andcompassion style with all patients.Audubon Funeral Home Obituary ListingsSUSAN BOTHNERSusan Bothner, age 73,a beloved mother andfriend, passed away onApril 21, 2026, in thecomfort of her home inSlidell, surrounded byher family. Born on November 8, 1952, in NewOrleans, Louisiana,Susan's life was a testament to love, laughter,and dedication to herfamily and friends.Susan was a woman ofmany talents and passions. She spent 35 plusyears living abroad accompanying her husband during his time inthe petroleum industry.Everywhere Susan livedshe left a lasting impression on the communitywith friendship and enjoyment and how shelived life to the fullest.She is survived by herloving husband, Norbert, and their two sons;Darren and Brent, alongwith her sister DeborahWitte and brotherStephen Herbert.A memorial service tocelebrate Susan’s lifewill be held on Saturdaythe 30th of May at St.Genevieve Church,58203 LA 433, Slidell, LA70460. Visitation starts at10 a.m. with churchservice starting at 11a.m. Immediately following, all will be invited tomeet the family during areception at Palmetto’sOn The Bayou, 1901Bayou Ln, Slidell, LA70458.Arrangements byHonaker Funeral Home,Inc., Slidell, LA.ROSEMARY IANNAZZO CLARKRosemary IannazzoClark, of Slidell,Louisiana, passed awayon April 30, 2026, at theage of 91. She was bornon March 25, 1935, inNew Orleans, Louisiana,to her loving parents, thelate Salvadore D. Iannazzo and Antoinette M.Iannazzo.Rosemary is thebeloved mother ofWendy Brisset (Janaka),Cherie Brisset, and BillyBrisset (Anita); proudgrandmother of BrandiBrisset and Billy BrissetII; and great-grandmother of Hailey Snyderand Logan Snyder. Herfamily was the center ofher life, and she foundgreat joy in celebratingtheir accomplishments,offering encouragement, and creatingmemories that will betreasured for generations.Rosemary devoted 35years professionally toSears, where she servedas a credit manager. Shewas respected for herdiligence and integrity.Her long career reflected the same dependable character thatguided every part of herlife.Rosemary embracedlife with enthusiasm anda strong sense of community. She was an active member of theGarden Club, the NiftyFifties, St. Luke’s AltarSociety, and the Sugarettes. She was also anaward-winning bowler, adistinction that reflectedboth her skill and hercompetitive spirit. Rosemary enjoyed sharingher love of dance withchildren as a dancingschool instructor, andshe delighted in choreographing talent showsthat brought out the bestin young performers.Rosemary will be remembered for her vibrant personality, herdevotion to family, andher many contributionsto the lives of others. Shewas a selfless motherthat deeply loved herchildren first, far aboveherself. Rosemary hadthe gift of gab; she couldtalk to anyone, andeveryone felt comfortable talking to her. Shewas a great cook andgracious to invite anyone to eat with her family. Whether through herwork, her church involvement, her hobbies,or her time with lovedones, she lived a full andmeaningful life. Hermemory will remain ablessing to all who knewand loved her.Relatives and friendsare invited to attend avisitation on Saturday,May 16, 2026, from 12p.m. to 2 p.m. atAudubon Funeral Homein Slidell. A funeral service will begin in thechapel at 2 p.m. Rosemary will be laid to restin Audubon MemorialGardens Cemetery at aprivate graveside service. Memories and condolences may beexpressed atwww.AudubonFuneralHome.comOBITUARIESHonaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings