Felicia Verderame Perrone

Felicia Verderame Perrone passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 29, 2023. She would have been 104 years old on November 17. Felicia was born to Ignatia Verderame and Salvador Verderame on November 17, 1919. Her mind and memory were sharp and alert until the day she passed. She was the wife for 58 years to the late John Joseph Perrone. She is preceded in death by her two brothers, Father Vincent Verderame OMI and Charles Verderame and her sister, Sarah Cusimano, her grandson, Randy Perrone, and great grandson infant, Angelo Michael Junius.

Felicia attended Saint Louis Cathedral grammar school and graduated from St. Joseph Academy High School. While there, Felicia had the leading role in many plays. “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Here comes Charlie”, to name a few.

Felicia graduated from Maybin Secretarial College, which led her to be the secretary for Dr. Joseph Marino. She also worked as a secretary for Charity Hospital Clinic and a group of lawyers in the Masonic Temple Building.

Felicia also worked for United Theatre Motion Pictures. Her job was to go to Film Row and select which New Orleans theatres would get the new film releases.

Felicia was a member of the Elenian Club, where she was a maid in the Elenian Carnival Ball. She was also in the Saint Mary’s Italian Church Choir for many years. The choir would sing at many events and the ladies became life-long friends. From the choir loft, she would sometimes make faces at her older brother, Fr. Verderame, while he was saying mass.

Felicia met the love of her life, John Perrone, and upon his return after serving in WWII, they were married on February 12, 1946. The only time they were apart was for three and a half years when John served in the Army. During his time in the Army, they wrote letters to one another every day. John lovingly and teasingly called her “Red” because of her red hair. Felicia still had those letters to this day and she read them often.

Felicia, along with her mother and sister, were very instrumental in the feeding of the priests after the Holy Chrism Mass, at Saint Louis Cathedral, when her brother, Father Verderame, was rector there. It is still a tradition, that has grown so much the luncheons are now given at a local hotel.

Felicia is survived by her children, Diane Baur (Harold), Johnny Perrone (Debbie) and Sandra Junius (Ralph); she has 14 grandchildren, Harold Baur (Sarah), Paul Baur (Ashley), Mark Baur (Dr. Jennifer Baur), Erin Donnelly (Dr. Brandon Donnelly), Dr. Andrea Toomer (Brian), Dayna Dyle, John Perrone (Yvonne), Randy Perrone(deceased), Rusty Perrone (Cristy), Heather Mayfield (Dr. Sean Mayfield), Dr. William Junius (Angel), Petra Guste (Henry), Nathan Junius (Sarah), Dr. Sacha Wax (Dr. Barton Wax); and 47 great grandchildren, and one deceased great grandchild.

Felicia’s passion was cooking and baking especially for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking for her supper club. She was very eager to show anyone who visited, her cooking skills and techniques. Always the fastest way!

She also was an avid seamstress. She designed all of her daughters’ dresses and her own special occasion dresses. Her other enjoyment was playing the piano. She was part of a group of piano friends who were amazed at her ear for music.

Felicia was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church and St. Dominic Church. She and John traveled extensively to Europe with many of their friends.

We would like to thank her caregivers who gave her unconditional love and care. Bridget Harris, Cory Napoleon, Judy Pinkins, Brenda Hudson, Maranda Scott, Arnel Napoleon and Paulette Jackson. Without them, Felicia could not have had the freedom to go out whenever she wanted and to continue to live in her own home.

Family and friends are invited to join us at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 beginning at 11am and commencing with a Mass of Christian Burial at 2pm in the chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Interment will be in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Twins Scholarship at Brother Martin High School in memory of Randy Perrone are welcomed. Contact: [email protected] for information.