Sylvia Diaz Maunoir left this world peacefully on Thursday, August 29th at the age of 94. She would be the first to tell you she never dreamed she would live to see 94, nor to see the multitude of family milestones and events she joyfully bore witness. She went by many names: “Miss Sylvia,” “Mom,” “Sis,” “Maw-maw,” “Ganny,” “Aunt Sylvia,” and more. She was a creative and resourceful woman, with an insatiable desire to do for others. No one ever left her house hungry. Her cupboards were full of apocalyptic amounts of food and craft supplies, enough to feed and clothe an army. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always had access to the candy jar, a fridge full of Chocolate Soldier, and an endless supply of red beans and rice. At Sylvia’s, everyone had full bellies, full hearts, and the air was full of laughter. Lessons we’ve learned from Sylvia: Fried chicken is best served between layers of homemade potato chips and garlic butter. If your clothes need mending, just give it to her, she’ll fix it. Why buy something when you can hand-make it yourself? Toilet paper rolls should always be concealed with crocheted doll covers. Always save the plastic babies from the king cake; you never know when you’ll need a drawer full of them. Grandchildren get pretty much whatever they want. Cover your walls in photos of your family as a reminder of a happy life. Cook everything in huge batches, so you always have a hot plate of food for anyone who stops by. And speaking of cooking, just cook from the soul; that recipe is merely a guideline. Treat yourself to a Kahlúa and cream once in a while, you deserve it. Revel in telling stories of your past, and repeat them often. Treat everyone like they’re family. Create a home so warm and welcoming, that everyone wants to stay for dessert. Never miss mass or a trip to the beauty shop. Be grateful for your health while you have it. Say your prayers, count your blessings, and thank God every day. “Ya know?” Her spirit lives on in her two children: Michael Maunoir and Julie Maunoir-Rodgers; in her sister-in-law, Mary Ballam; in her five grandchildren: Mike Yenni (and wife Michelle Yenni), Matthew Rodgers (and wife Alison Rodgers), Brad Maunoir (and wife Celeste Maunoir), Shawn Rodgers (and wife Laura Rodgers), and Elissa Marie (and husband Justin Kauffman); in her seven great-grandchildren: Cole and Eli Maunoir; Vivian, Veronica, and Eleanor Rodgers; and Reagan and Madison Yenni; and in all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She is reunited with her adored husband, Michael Matthew Maunoir, and her family and friends who preceded her to the other side. Come celebrate her life with us and help us say goodbye on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. Visitation starts at 12:30pm, and the service is at 2pm. Burial to follow at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the American Lung Association in Metairie at 2021 Hickory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123, where she volunteered for many years and touched as many lives. Sylvia’s family would like to thank the entire staff at St. Frances Villa for the loving care that she received.
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