Juanita M. Gilberti

Juanita Rose Matherne Gilberti, beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on December 12, 2022. She was 82 years old. Juanita was a secretary with Shell Oil Company and then, with her husband, went on to own and operate EDACO Computer Supplies until her retirement. She and her husband were auto enthusiasts and enjoyed membership in the Crescent City Corvette Club. Juanita was a longtime friend and supporter of St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and the NO AIDS Task Force. She and her husband received the honor of being named Volunteers of the Year based on their service with the Meals on Wheels Program. Juanita was a season ticket holder and avid fan of The New Orleans Saints and live theater at The Saenger. As a widow, she was a Prayer Warrior outside of the Metairie abortion clinic and a volunteer in the gift shop at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Throughout her life, Juanita was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Angela Merici parishes. She attended weekday Mass at St. Paul’s Bookstore. Juanita went to St. James Major and The Academy of Holy Angels where she achieved the title of Valedictorian upon graduation. She never missed a reunion and remained close friends with her classmates. Juanita received a full scholarship to Southeastern University for her skills in drama, however, she chose to attend Soule’ Secretarial College and graduated on September 30, 1957. Juanita is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 50 years, Robert Salvatore Gilberti, her mother Marie D’Arensbourg Matherne, her father Jerome Richard Matherne, and her sister Mercedes Matherne Huss (Raymond). She is survived by her children Patricia Stirling (Lewis), Paula Fontana, Robert Gilberti Jr. (Kayla), and Rebecca Ruppert (Chris); grandchildren Keith Gerard LeBlanc Jr. (Ashley), Alissa Marie Fontana Palmer (Hunt), Taylor Elizabeth Ruppert, Jordan Rose Ruppert Finney (John), Christian Phillip Ruppert V (Sydney), Dominic Joseph Fontana, and Gianna Venetia Gilberti; great-grandchildren Ian Robert, Grace Marie, Hannah Rose, and Catherine Francis LeBlanc; John Gabriel Perboyre Finney V; and Robert Myers Palmer. Upon retirement, Juanita was a resident of The Whitney Place Condominiums and Inspired Living.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd (in Metairie Cemetery), on Friday, December 23 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Disabled American Veterans in her name are preferred.

To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com