Mary Kay Harvey

A self-described “Catholic wife, mom, Meme, ‘Favorite Aunt, nurse, voracious reader, foodie,” Mary Kay Harvey (nee Flanagan) died on May 4, 2024, fortified by the sacraments and with her husband, children and siblings at her side. She was sixty-five years old and had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer six weeks earlier.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Randy Scott Harvey, of Columbia, MS; children, Erin (Ronald) Calcagno of Metairie, Meaghan (Adam) Tower of Dutchtown, and James Harvey of Metairie; grandchildren Leah and Ethan Calcagno, and Mailee and Keaton Tower; siblings Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP (Daughters of St. Paul) of Metairie, Jane (James) Jarosz of Metairie, Harold (Genie) Flanagan of Metairie, Thomas (April) Flanagan of New Orleans, Lea Ann (Robert) Durand of Austin, Nell (Preston) Aucoin of Lafayette; nieces and nephews to the second generation; and innumerable friends and coworkers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Winifred (Stiegler) Flanagan and James Thomas Flanagan.

A lifelong resident of the New Orleans area, Mary Kay was born on July 10, 1958 and raised in Metairie. She attended Catholic schools (Ursuline Academy, St. Mary Magdalen grammar school), graduating from Archbishop Chapelle High School in 1976. After a few semesters at Loyola University, New Orleans, she applied for a job as a surgical tech at Ochsner Foundation Hospital, where the job interview included this exchange: “Are you bothered by the sight of blood?” “Only if it’s my own.” She spent the next 45 years in Ochsner operating rooms. During that time, she went to night school at Loyola to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. By the end of her career, she was Certified R.N. First Assistant with Ochsner’s renowned transplant team, where she earned a reputation as a beloved and highly respected mentor to scores of medical professionals.

A blind date with a carpenter in 1980 set the direction for the rest of her life. Mary Kay and Randy Scott Harvey exchanged vows in 1981. Together they raised three children, along with a succession of shelter animals (which always included a dachshund or two). Shuttling the children to after-school activities led Mary to a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It was a joy for Mary to add the role of grandmother (Meme) to her list of accomplishments, and to prepare special treats and experiences for the children, or to use her self-taught knitting skills to make things for them. She enjoyed special anniversary trips with Randy, and an annual road trip with her four sisters. She did not, however, enjoy shopping.

The family would like to acknowledge the tender and respectful care given to Mary in recent weeks by the nursing staff of Ochsner’s Oncology and ICU departments, and the outpouring of love and support from her coworkers.

Visitation Saturday, May 11 at St. Clement of Rome Church, Metairie 9:30 a.m.; Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate Masses offered for Mary Kay, or donations in her memory to her favorite charities: Daughters of St. Paul; the Salvation Army; The Chosen TV series.