Elizabeth "Betty" Pharr Moran

“Betty” died peacefully during the full blue moon on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at St Anna’s at Lambeth House in New Orleans. She was born on August 15, 1930, and lived in New Orleans all her life. She was preceded in death by her parents Elizabeth “Bessie” Merrick Pharr and John Newton Pharr and her husband Frank C. “Jiggie” Moran Jr (1924-1982). Betty is survived by her only child, Kathryn Moran van Aalst married to Willem van Aalst of Laren, The Netherlands and New Orleans; her grandchildren, Sasha, Nick (Joëlle) and Philip van Aalst; her great-granddaughters, Pippa and Sunny, all of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and her only younger sister, Jane Pharr Stewart of Evergreen, Colorado; nephews, Cameron (Eileen), Pharr (Mary) Stewart and Chris (Sherena) Stewart; and great nieces and nephews, all of Colorado. Betty attended Country Day School and graduated from Isidore Newman School in 1948. She attended Sophie Newcomb (Tulane University) College, where she was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, graduating in 1952 with a BA in Elementary Education. From 1953-1957 Betty taught first grade classes in the New Orleans Public School system. She taught art to children, was always involved in art and being creative in many ways, whether helping at her daughter’s school Sacred Heart, designing the Lagniappe covers for the Junior League and creating decor for its Children’s Theater, installing exhibitions for NOMA; or decorating for the annual Odyssey Ball. Using her good taste and flair, she always produced a smashing success. Always curious and inquisitive, she continued learning and studying. Betty received her BFA from Tulane in 1987 and at-tended both their MAT and MLA programs. Betty was a past (1972) President of the Friends of the Cabildo, and helped chair the Sun King Exhibition and the Christmas Bazaar. In 1977 she was a founding Board member of the Con-temporary Arts Center (CAC), helped with Art for Arts Sake, the SweetArts Ball, and the Century Club She served on the Board of Louisiana Crafts Council and volunteered for Art Against Aids. In 1984 Betty established her successful Interior Design business; leaving her mark of impeccable good taste on many New Orleans homes. She always surrounded herself with interesting people, art and beauty. She was an avid art collector and supporter of local artists, galleries and cultural institutions in New Orleans, her city she knew so well and loved. Betty also served on non-art-related community boards, including Newcomb, Tulane, and Newman Alumni, and the Loyola President’s Council. She volunteered for the Preservation Resource Center, Friends of the Zoo, and entertained many Garden Club members on their annual outings. Betty was an all around creative dynamo who could paint, draw, sculpt, make prints, design, decorate and celebrate. She lived live to the fullest with verve and gusto. Betty usually did things her way, which was often the best way. She loved to travel, see new things and places, visiting her family abroad as often as allowed. She was a consummate entertainer, many will remember her annual Halloween bash. Her positive view on life, her innate sense of style and fun-loving ways will be missed by all. Our Betty was truly one of a kind. Love you to the moon forever.

Due to the disruptions of services following Hurricane Ida, the memorial service and burial will be held at a later, yet to be determined date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a local Art Institution of choice or Trinity Episcopal Church are most welcome. In keeping with Betty’s unique sense of style we ask that you come attired in what inspires you to think of Betty. To view and sign the online guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com