Sylvia Gaspard Pierre

Sylvia Gaspard Pierre was born on November 29, 1934 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Eugene and Lillian Gaspard, the sixth child of eight to that Union. She was educated in the Catholic School system of Orleans Parish, attending Xavier Prep. In July of 1956, she married Joseph Pierre Sr., a childhood neighbor who became the love of her life. To that union, two children were born, Terri and Joseph, Jr. Sylvia was the beloved wife of Joseph Pierre, Sr. for 47 years. Sylvia was a hard worker and had several jobs throughout her life. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked for Shreck Sails making boating upholstery and sails. She also worked at Stone Pigman as the supervisor of the copy center from 1980-2005. In that role, she also mentored high school students. Sylvia was selfless, independent and loved helping people. She continued to work with Counsel on Aging helping others. She was recognized by the Mayor of New Orleans, Mayor Mitch Landrieu for her service to the community. She received the Joseph Massenburg Memorial Award for Excellence in National Service at the age of 82 and the Louisiana Service Award in 2019. Sylvia was also a commissioner working various city and national elections. Before Katrina, Sylvia was a devoted member of both St. Mary the Angels and St. David Church. While she was at St. Mary the Angels, she received the St. Louis Medallion Medal of Honor from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. At St. David she spent many years organizing their annual fair and helping with suppers. She received an award from St. David in 2002 for her service within the church. Sylvia had a very active prayer life, praying every morning, night and whenever her family called upon her. She belonged to the Even Dozen Pitty Pat Club with her sisters. Sylvia had a very active social life. She enjoyed socializing with her friends and family, convincing people to go to multiple grocery stores, meeting new people (she never met a stranger), and hanging with her grand and great grandchildren. Her greatest passion however was cooking and everyone has probably tasted her famous potato salad and pralines. Sylvia is survived by her children Terri Pierre Wallace (Franz) and Joseph Pierre Jr. (Deidra); two brothers: Henry Gaspard and Ronald Gaspard; six grandchildren: Charmonique Watson, Chere Watson, and Charla Watson, Joseph Pierre, III (Shardae), Jared Pierre (Danielle), and Jamie Pierre; and twelve great grandchildren: Jeremiah and Kayden Robertson, Courtlyn Bartley and Ja’Maury Watson, Bryson Paris, Chase, Christian, Caleb, Logan, Makenzie, Micah, and Makayla Pierre and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Sylvia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Pierre Sr., parents Lillian and Eugene Gaspard; one brother, Thomas Gaspard and 4 sisters: Shirley Rouzan, Marion Watts, Lorraine Dennis, and Audrey Dejan (Earl, Sr.). Sylvia was thought of as the family live wire, so many fun times were orchestrated by her. She is now in heaven with the saints to whom she asked for guidance daily. Her love, dedication to her family, and cooking will be solely missed. Relatives and friends of the family, priest and parishioners of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment: St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.

Sylvia Gaspard Pierre

December 17, 2020