Barbara Rivera Trapani Alleman

On Friday, September 22, 2023, our mother, Barbara Rivera Trapani Alleman, peacefully passed away at the age of 85. She was a New Orleanian through and through. Born and raised uptown, she graduated salutatorian from St. Stephen’s High School and entered the working world upon graduation. Her first love was our father, Sal Trapani, whom she met while at her first job. They provided a loving home and a strong foundation for the four of us. Mom cooked every meal and worked full-time so that we could attend Catholic schools. Mom always challenged herself to learn and grow in her profession. She took classes to learn about the construction industry, led the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, and then became its national President.

Working in this field she met her second great love, Charles Alleman. Together they would start their own businesses, Impact Construction and Impact Specialties. They worked hard and enjoyed long weekends spent on the water and at their home in Bay St. Louis.

One of Mom’s most enduring lessons is the power within to overcome adversity. When faced with the devasting floods caused by Hurricane Katrina and Charles's lung cancer diagnosis at the same time, Mom personified grit and resolve. Charles lost his battle in 2006.

Mom never retired in the traditional sense. She worked part-time at Joffary Window Coverings and handled bookkeeping for Old Metairie Townhomes Association as well as Bayou Marina Condominiums. Staying busy gave her purpose. And she never stopped having fun. She traveled with her family to Europe twice, went abroad for Saints games with friends, had adventurous vacations with gal pals, and visited friends and relatives near and far. People who were lucky enough to know Mom will never forget her. She made a lasting impression. Her inextinguishable will, infectious energy, beautiful smile, and magnetic attraction to dance floors everywhere will continue to inspire. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude that God sent us to her.

With appreciation from her entire family: Toni Trapani, Sal Trapani, Gina Trapani Moore, and husband Jerry, Lisa Trapani Shumate and husband Chris, grandchildren Ashton Trapani, Alex Moore, Caroline Shumate, William Shumate and wife Jacqueline, and great-grandsons Luke, and Tom.

Mom is survived by her brother and sister, Jack and Sandra Rivera. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Thelma Rivera, and her sister, Fay Bissell.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie, on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 12:00PM. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:15AM until 11:45AM. The interment will follow the Mass at All Saints Mausoleum (in Metairie Cemetery).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a charitable contribution in Barbara’s memory to the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center or St. Catherine of Siena Church (please mail donations to the church).

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