Joyce Schexnayder Martello

Joyce ‘Bootsie’ Martello of Metairie died at her home while surrounded by each of her children on February 1, 2021 only days before what would have been her 91st birthday. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends who knew Joyce as a forever warm, smiling, and genuinely loving soul. She joins her late husband Louis Martello for what is surely a very well-deserved respite in the Heavens above.

She was born in Jackson, Mississippi on February 7, 1930 as the elder of 2 children by the late Alcest J. and Nellie J. Schexnayder. Joyce was predeceased by her husband Louis E. Martello, and granddaughter Laura A. Whittaker; she is survived by brother Alcest J. ‘AJ’ Schexnayder, Jr. of Houston, TX, daughter Karen and husband Dennis Whittaker of Charlotte, NC, son Louis, Jr. and wife Susie, daughter Cynthia and husband Barry Green, and daughter Mary Ann Penny, of Lafayette, LA along with 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Joyce earned her high school diploma from Francis T. Nicholls High School in New Orleans, LA. She married Louis Martello on August 22, 1953 at St. James Major Church in New Orleans and remained a loving and loyal spouse for a happy marriage that endured for a full 65 years. Joyce was the consummate homemaker, a loving mother of 4, and a versatile gourmet cook whose kitchen was at the very center of countless joyful, fulfilling, sometimes boisterous family gatherings. It seems fitting that one of her last acts was to pass along a family recipe for kibbeh, shared from her hospital bed with youngest daughter Mary Ann, assuring that her wonderful culinary gifts will be shared for generations to come.

Joyce enjoyed the company of many dear friends who will forever remember the light-hearted laughter she brought to nearly every situation. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Magdalen parish, a loving mother and ‘Mimi’ to her children and grandchildren, and an active member of a friendly bridge group that met for weekly play and freewheeling, coffee-fueled conversation spanning decades.

Much like her late husband Louis, Joyce was never known to speak harshly or to raise the ire of others given her warm and compassionate personality; she was genuinely caring and giving in ways that endeared her to everyone she met.

Joyce lived a full and enriching life with a generous helping of the Joy from which her name was derived, and she will long be remembered for her caring dedication to others.

The Martello family would like to extend their gratitude to Heart of Hospice for the excellent care provided by their staff.

A private memorial service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021. The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com