The Life of Marian Alva Landry
Marian Landry, age 95, of New Orleans, LA, formerly of Lafayette, LA passed away Tuesday December 30, 2014. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Lafayette, LA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Claude J. Landry, Sr. and her brothers Dr. William A. Yancey of San Diego, CA and Ernest J. Yancey, Sr. of Houma, LA. She is survived by her children Jeanne Landry Harpin (Paul) of Hamden, CT, Louise Landry Kayser (Robert) of Metairie, LA, C.J. Landry, Jr. of New Iberia, LA; 2 grandchildren Leanne Harpin of Hamden, CT, Daniel Harpin of State College, PA, 24 nieces and nephews.Jeanne Marian Alva Yancey Landry was born December 21, 1919 to William Paul Yancey and Lydia Cenac Yancey in Davenport, Iowa. Her father was a science and engineering professor at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. Her mother worked most of her life as a nurse anesthetist while rearing 3 children with the help of her family.
Following the untimely death of her father at age 33 in 1925, the family moved to Tampa, FL for 2 years to reside with their grandmother Philomena Yancey. This was followed by a permanent move to Louisiana. The trials of the Great Depression helped to forge her character. As a young adult she worked at the clerk of courts office in Houma, LA and Shell Oil Co. in New Orleans, LA.
During WWII she spent 2 special years in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve located in Washington, DC established in 1943. She had the somber duty of “pulling the cards” of 50-75 Marine Corps officers who died per day in WWII. She was honorably discharged at the rank of sargent. She made lifelong friends in the Corps. Time was devoted to the Marine Corps League later in life. She enjoyed the loyal company of women currently in the Corps.
On June 17, 1950 she married Claude J. Landry, Sr. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Houma, LA. Her uncle Patrick Henry Yancey, SJ officiated. They were married 48 yrs. She lived in the same home for 58 years in Lafayette, LA where their 3 children were born. Her goal during these years was to provide a stable home environment for her family despite life’s many challenges. She succeeded. Caring for her family and her home was a labor of love.
Once she had more time to herself she concentrated on her interests and talents. She attended performing arts concerts frequently. She believed in continuing her education. She learned how to play the guitar, how to invest money and run a business. She collected & studied antiques. She refinished antiques chairs teaching herself how to replace cane seats. (As a young woman she played the piano and the accordion.) She traveled throughout Europe, North Africa, and North America. Her sartorial skills were superior. Cooking remained one of her great loves & talents. Her critical thinking, decision making, and organizational skills were frequently on target. She brought excellence to her many endeavors. Her song is done but the melody lingers.Special thanks to those who cared for her: Vickie Romero, Michelle McGraw, Cindy Osborne, Sharena Davis, Betty Landry, the gracious staff on the 4th floor of Chateau de Notre Dame, and Louise Landry, LCSW. Very special thanks to the neighborhood friends in Lafayette, LA who always remembered her.
In lieu of flowers Marian has requested donations to Wounded Warriors Project.org or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.
Semper Fidelis.
