Julie Ann Prestia

Julie Prestia Harmeyer, 65, passed away peacefully, after a year-long illness, on May 19, 2016, surrounded by family and friends, amidst her books and favorite collections. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce Pellenz Prestia and Joseph Prestia, Sr. Ms. Prestia is survived by her devoted son, Joshua Harmeyer, her loving brother, Joseph Prestia, Jr. and her faithful and beloved cat, Harry. She also is survived by many loving cousins and dear friends.

She was a proud graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy and Louisiana State University. Throughout her life, she remained a devoted LSU football fan.

Ms. Prestia was a life-long educator, devoting 40 years to teaching history, sociology and psychology in the Jefferson Parish Public School System. She was awarded national teacher certification status and in 2011, she was recognized as Bonnabel High School’s Teacher of the Year. Throughout her 40 year teaching career, she touched the lives of generations of students, some of whom continued to maintain relationships with her for many years after graduation.

She was an avid gardener and loved flowers. She considered reading, working crossword puzzles and traveling as her passions. She was an excellent cook and was known for hosting lavish dinner parties. She was extremely proud of her Sicilian heritage, using her historical research skills to trace her family tree; and participated enthusiastically in local Italian heritage events. As an animal lover, she supported the LASPCA and PETA and many other causes devoted to the care and welfare of animals.

In her final days, Ms. Prestia expressed her sincere gratitude to Ray Harmeyer, Christine Franzone-Proudfoot, Ann Guedry, Mathilda Prestia Cochran, and Kathy Kilgore for their unwavering support during her illness.

Family, friends and colleagues are cordially invited to a visitation on Saturday, May 28, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. A Catholic Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Lake Lawn Metairie Chapel at 12:00 pm. Interment in the Antonino Prestia Family tomb in Metairie Cemetery will follow immediately after the service.

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