Gaynell Murtagh Diaz

Gay was preceded in death by her devout and loving husband of 56 years, Robert “Bob” Diaz, her parents, Clare Robinson Murtagh and Elmer Murtagh, as well as siblings, Valerie Cedotal, Clare Schroder, Elmer Murtagh, and Gerald Murtagh.

She is survived by her five devoted children and their spouses, Terri Duplantis (Gwen Richard), Sheila Casadaban (Emile), Nancy Heyl (Daryl), Melissa Diaz, and Roberto J. Diaz, III (Regina Nuzzolillo). Her beloved grandchildren, Michelle, Michael (Gabi), Taylor (Tonya), Sr. Bon Secours/Emily, Jesse (Colleen), Tori (Nick), Dylan (Victoria), Sr. Fleur du Carmel/Jamie, Malik, Senea (Dakota), Priscilla, Bobby, and Mya, as well as her great-grandchildren, Ivy, Reid, Kate, Sadi, Cyprian, Annmarie, Jenaro, Eli, Lacy, Adam, Noah, and baby Heyl will all miss her dearly. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends who were always welcomed with open arms.

Gay and Bob were lifelong members and founding parishioners of St. Angela Merici parish. While she was first and foremost a wife and mother, Gaynell also worked at Blumenthal’s Print Works and Diaz Cash Register Co. Over the years, Gay was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliaries of St. Angela Merici, The Knights of Columbus New Orleans Council #714, and The Pelaya Caravan #178, Order of Alhambra. She enjoyed several social clubs, such as The Royal Order of Goofettes, The Six-Pack Club, The Don’t Worry Club, The Rolls Royce Owners Club, and The Red Hat Society. She was one of the original members of the First Lady Spa, and she was an avid mall walker.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass celebrated at noon on Thursday, December 7 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 835 Melody Drive in Metairie. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00am. The interment will follow the Mass at St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Angela Merici’s Adoration Chapel fund are preferred.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit, www.lakelawnmetairie.com