Audrey Gaspard Dejan

Audrey Gaspard Dejan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 88. She was born on June 26, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Eugene and Lillian Gaspard, the fifth child of eight to that union. She was educated in the New Orleans Public School System and graduated from Joseph S. Clark High School. On September 3, 1955, she married Earl Dejan, the love of her life. To that union, three children were born, Earl Jr., Arlene and Rhonda. Audrey was the beloved wife of Earl Dejan for 65 years. Early in the marriage, Audrey worked at Haspel as a seamstress while her husband was deployed by the Army to Germany. Once he returned, they began their family and she became a full-time homemaker caring for her three children and many nieces and nephews. She raised her children and grandchildren with a firm, but loving hand. Her eyes sparkled when her family was near. Audrey was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family. She is affectionately known as “Momme” to her seven grandchildren. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ. Before Katrina, Audrey was a devoted member of St. David. When the family returned to New Orleans, she joined St. Maria Goretti and remained a member of this church. Audrey had a very active prayer life and it was well known that every day from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm she prayed without interruptions. She belonged to the Even Dozen Pitty Pat Club. Her Friday nights were consumed with playing pitty pat, pokeno and/or bingo. She also loved occasionally going to the casino with her sisters. Audrey was always groomed and never left home without makeup and perfume. She always looked forward to her niece, Joann D. Roberson delivering her special packages of perfumes. Audrey is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Earl J Dejan Sr; her children Earl Dejan Jr,(Stacy) and Arlene D. Lewis(Dewitt);a son-in-law, Noel L. Pinera; a sister, Sylvia Pierre, two brothers, Henry Gaspard and Ronald Gaspard; seven grandchildren: Dewitt J Lewis III, Nicole Lewis, Drew Lewis, Wesley Pinera, Kelsey Pinera, Gabriel Dejan, Adley Dejan and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Audrey was preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda D. Pinera and a son, Joseph Dejan; parents Lillian and Eugene Gaspard, one brother Thomas Gaspard and 3 sisters: Shirley Rouzan, Marion Watts and Lorraine Dennis. Audrey is now in heaven with the saints to whom she asked for guidance daily. Her love and dedication to her family will be solely missed. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd, NOLA 70127 on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11:00 am. Visitation: 10:00 am -11:00 am with the Rosary to begin at 10:15 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all attendees are required to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.