Edna Fay Erwin

Edna Fay Lafrance Erwin, a gracious wife, mother and teacher, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023 at the age of 94. Born in New Orleans in 1929, Fay graduated from SLI (now ULL) at 19 and began teaching, first in Plaquemines Parish then Orleans. She loved the third grade because she treasured developing children into proficient readers. She met a good-hearted Texan, John, married him in 1964, and took time off to raise two daughters, before returning to the classroom for over 15 more years, again in Orleans Parish and finally in St. Bernard. If you are one of the hundreds she taught, know she thought of you fondly and proudly. Fay was a lifelong avid reader. She adored her cats. She was a fan of Saints and LSU football. She loved to garden. She made an exceptional carrot cake. When her memory began to fade, she never stopped singing, dancing, and bringing joy to all who loved her.

Fay is survived by her cherished daughter, Rebecca Lyn Erwin; brother Lanny Lafrance (Jean); sister Linda Lafrance Fernandez (late Ronnie); sister-in-law Gertrude “Trudie” Reinhard Lafrance (late Albert); and a superb bunch of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, John Lewis Erwin; her other, equally cherished daughter, Kelly Ann Erwin; parents A. Curt and Edna Lafrance, Sr.; brothers Albert C. Lafrance, Jr. and Arthur L. Lafrance Sr. (late Lorraine); sister Patsy Lafrance Pannagl; and nephews Marc M. Lafrance and Martin “Ron” Ronald Fernandez, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, in remembrance of the endless hours of enjoyment Fay found there.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL GARDENS.