Melanie Giardina Dempsey

Melanie Giardina Dempsey passed away on Wednesday evening, December 23, 2015. She was 85 years old. Beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Dempsey of over 64 years. Loving mother of Joseph M. Dempsey (Rae), Donald V. Dempsey, Cheryl A. Dempsey, Glen D. Dempsey (Terry), Sheila Dempsey Norris, and the late Markey R. Dempsey. Grandmother of Patrick Dempsey (Amanda), Ryan Dempsey, Erin D. Cariello (David), Jessica Dempsey, Kaitlin Dempsey, Megan D. Clements (Casey), David Dempsey, Lisa Dempsey, Kelly Dempsey, Jonathan Dempsey, Jason Norris, and Casey Norris. Great-grandmother of Tabor, Jack, Amma, Ambrose, Dylan, and Blaire. Sister of Sylvia G. Breaux (Warren), Phyllis G. Mitts (Edwin), Joseph R. Giardina (Jane), Diane G. Brown (Jim), and the late Lena Mae Giardina, Anna Rita G. Coburn (the late Darwayne), Vincent J. Giardina Jr. (the late Josie), and Jerome A. Giardina (Gail). Daughter of the late Rose Calcagno Giardina and Vincent J. Giardina Sr. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Melanie was a native and lifelong resident of the New Orleans area. She was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily, and was a recent resident and parishioner of Ville Ste. Marie Senior Living Center. Melanie devoted her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She enjoyed Mardi Gras and was a member of the Krewe of Aquila and served as a Float Lieutenant for many years. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial from ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, 13396 River Road, Destrehan, on Thursday morning, December 31, 2015 at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 9:00 in church. Interment will follow in the adjoining St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, or www.kidney.org/support. An online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.