Mary Gwendolyn Temple Perkins McMillan

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Perkins McMillan was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 10, 1923, and died May 7, 2020, at age 97, at Forest Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Covington of the COVID-19 virus. She was predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth Cleo Hanna and Rufus Terral Hanna, and by her loving husband, Oscar James McMillan, Jr. Gwen is survived by two children, Mary Lynn McMillan LeGardeur, and Oscar James (Mac) McMillan III (Helen); five grandchildren Theaux M. LeGardeur, Maurice J. (Reese) LeGardeur III, Paul A. LeGardeur (Andrea), Evelyn V. McMillan, Eileen H. McMillan Yearwood (Eric); and four great-grandchildren, Ella, Conner, Lane, and Oscar LeGardeur.

Gwen graduated from Ursuline Academy and attended LSU. During World War II, she worked for the Red Cross and was employed as a secretary for the Merita Bread Company. In later years, after raising her children, she worked for Ochsner Hospital. For the next 22 years, she helped families cope with the surgeries and illnesses of their loved ones in the Family Waiting Room for the Intensive Care and Surgery Units, where she was known for her kindness and compassion.

Gwen served as Past President of the Lady Golfers of the New Orleans Country Club and was a member of the Orleans Club, Sprig & Twig Garden Club, Southern Yacht Club, and was a past Board member of the Poydras Home. She was a member of the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church.

After retiring, Gwen and Oscar moved to Covington. She spent time as a devoted volunteer for the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Guild and was awarded a “Brick” (plaque) in recognition of her 3,000 volunteer hours in the Waiting Room of the Intensive Care Unit, only retiring when she was 87. She was a member of the Tchefuncte Honeybees and Faith Presbyterian Church. She was also a longtime volunteer at the St Tammany Art Association.

In their later years, Gwen and Oscar enjoyed extended stays at their home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.

Gwen will always be remembered by everyone she met as a kind, loving, caring and compassionate person who continued to help and comfort others until her final days. She was greatly loved and will be missed by everyone who knew her. The values she instilled in her children and grandchildren will live on forever. Many times, she was the only one who could quiet or comfort a crying baby or upset child.

The sign attached to the front gate of her mountain residence perfectly summarizes her welcoming personality: “Through this wide opening gate, none come too early or stay too late.”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Tammany Parish Hospital Hospice, 725 West 11th Ave, Covington, LA 70433. www.stph.org.

Due to the current extenuating circumstances, we ask that those who wish to express their condolences or share fond memories do so at www.lakelawnmetairiefuneralhome.com

The family is grateful for your understanding and compassion in this trying time.