Mary Noel "Melsy" Adams Saunders

Mary Noel “Melsy” Adams Saunders passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family after a brief battle with cancer. Melsy was born on December 2, 1935 and was 87 years old.

Melsy was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Mildred Hartson Adams and her beloved daughter, Susan Saunders Palli (survived by Marino).

Melsy is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Edgar Saunders; her daughters, Karen DeBlieux (Peter), Linda Guillory (Rick), Mary Johnson (Keith), Jane Thompson (Mike), and Sandra Saunders (Chris Niederer); her sons, Edgar “Bo” Saunders and William Saunders; her sister, Peggy Adams (Tom Foutz); her brother, Leon “Charlie” Adams; her grandchildren, Lionel and Ceclia Palli, Joshua (Emily) and Zachary DeBlieux, Patrick Guillory (Emily) and Katie Guillory Van Meter (Davis), Shelby Johnson (Kelly) and Lindsey Johnson Kenny (Dillon), Haley, Jack, Megan and Kate Thompson, Celeste Rodriguez, Madison and Grant Niederer; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Brooks, and Grace Guillory, Wyatt and Millie Johnson, Cooper and Wes Kenny, and Connor Van Meter.

Melsy was a lifelong New Orleanian who loved all things New Orleans, especially her beloved husband, Edgar. From the day they met, they laughed, they danced, they sang, and they were committed to each other – Melsy and Edgar, never one without the other.

Melsy was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Loyola University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team. She served on the boards of Sacred Heart Academy and the Greater New Orleans YMCA. Other organizations that benefited from her service include St. Michael’s Special School, Friends of City Park, Second Harvest Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, American Heart Foundation, Jesuit High School, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was a recipient of the Cor Unum national award bestowed by the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart.

Melsy would be seen dancing with the love of her life, Edgar, at Jazz Fest, carnival balls, weddings, birthday parties, or in the kitchen. Some of her happiest moments were during the annual beach trip with Edgar and four generations of our family. She established family traditions that are legendary, including family night, holiday celebrations, and family vacations.

She was the biggest cheerleader for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – she never missed a game, graduation, First Communion, Baptism, award ceremony, art show, even if it meant travelling to Atlanta, Denver, Memphis, and Switzerland.

In the words of Melsy’s friends, “When I think of Melsy, I think of laughter and tears, hugs and warm greetings, friendship and compassion, music and dance …and oh, how she can dance”. And how comforting to know she is now dancing with Susan in heaven.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Carmen Carmouche, Denise Gaithright, Nekki Nelson, Brenda Jackson, and Deb Chapman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00AM. Followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Melsy's memory to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4301 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115, or by visiting the Academy's website at www.ashrosary.org.

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