Barbara Joy Hanshaw Blades, beloved wife, mother, aunt, friend, and business woman, passed peacefully from this life to the more glorious next on May 21, having ultimately lost her battles of more than 32 years against leukemia. All who knew her adored her for her valiant spirit, kindness, generosity, sincere interest in the wellbeing of each individual, and her genuine love for all. She gave freely of herself, in all the many aspects of her life, sharing her talents, skills, experience, and wisdom for the benefit of any willing to accept her many gifts.
She embarked on a real estate career of 49 years, working with Stan Weber and Associates, Merrill Lynch Realty, then becoming a Broker/Owner of Prudential Louisiana Properties and Gardner Realtors. She thanks Dr. Jayne Gurtler and MD Anderson Cancer Center for her 32 years of survival from CML. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her daughter, with cruises being her favorite. Very dear to her heart were her many dogs and cats, especially Jake, Georgie, Lily,and BooBoo at the end.
She may now be reunited with her husband, Richard Morris Blades, and her parents, Paul and Mattie Hanshaw, who predeceased her, and she will be sorely missed as we endure the separation until, inevitably, we all follow her out of this life. She is survived by her daughter, Margarite “Peggy” Blades; a chosen daughter, Brenda J. DeLaune; close nephews, Reggie and Bryan Blades and also Donna, Becky, Mike, and Allison Blades.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 5 PM to 8 PM and Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 9 AM to 11 AM with a service beginning at 11 AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Donations in memory of Barbara would be appreciated for The “Sunshine Kids” and The Catnip Foundation. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
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