Elizabeth Hanton de la Houssaye Agnew beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by immediate family on June 7, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents Lt. Col. Frank Julien de la Houssaye and Elizabeth Hanton Douglas de la Houssaye, husband Thomas Adams Agnew, son Frank ‘Del’ de la Houssaye Agnew, granddaughter Elizabeth Douglas Agnew, sister Mary Ellen de la Houssaye Baron, brother-in-law David Hyland Baron, and brother Frank Julien de la Houssaye, Jr.
She is survived by her children Thomas J. Agnew (Gayle), Samuel G. Agnew (DeDe), Alexander H. Agnew (Leigh), daughter-in-law Jamie M. Agnew (Del†), her ten grandchildren: Tom, Annie, Taylor, Caroline, Maggie, Del Jr., Sarah, Quarles, Lex, William, sister-in-law Sheila de la Houssaye, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Hanton was born on December 19, 1930, in New Orleans. She was a graduate of Academy of Sacred Heart and later from Sophie Newcomb College earning a bachelor's degree. While at Newcomb she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, was selected to the 1953 Tulane homecoming court, and elected the sweetheart of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
With the love of her life husband Tom, she enjoyed many tennis themed vacations with their friends from all over the South. Hanton never met a stranger. “Hanny,” as she was affectionately called, loved talking on the phone as well as spending time with her sister Nuddy Baron, brother Frank Jr., children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed a lifetime association with Pi Phi, The Junior League of New Orleans, The Orleans Club, Le Petit Salon, and The New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club. She enjoyed dinner with family and friends at College Inn and hosting countless social events.
Hanton adored her sons and loved spending time with their friends. She was the longstanding anchor of the wonderful neighborhood on Audubon Street where she had many lifelong friends. In keeping with the de la Houssaye family tradition she collected friends and family legacy items and relished the chance to share her vast collection always with an endearing story.
She faced life’s challenges with unwavering grace and faith. Her life passions included Holy Name of Jesus Church where she attended weekly Holy Hour at the Adoration Chapel for forty years, and she played a vital role in guiding her husband and three daughters-in-law to the Catholic faith.
Hanton loved taking care of her home and gardening while greeting all that would walk by. Her legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all those who knew her. Hanton will be greatly missed by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and friends who loved her deeply.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans on Monday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A private interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4521 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115 or the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, 2030 Constance Street, New Orleans, LA. 70130.
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