Mary Lou Hevron Harris

Mary Lou Hevron Harris passed away peacefully Saturday, October 23, 2021. Mary Lou was born July 24, 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Alice Trawick Hevron and John Ellis Hevron, Sr. She was named for her grandmother, Mary Lou Keith Trawick. Mary Lou grew up on Dryades Street in New Orleans and lived in this city for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Rufus Carrollton Harris, Jr.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Michele Lafaye Lopiccolo (Frank) and Edward Emory Lafaye, III (Olivier); the children of her loving husband: Elizabeth Harris Hawk (Thomas), Rufus Carrollton Harris, III (Victoria), Louise Harris Saik (Clifton), Douglas King Harris (Diana); and her brother Dr. John Ellis Hevron, Jr. (Mary Margaret). She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, including Frank Joseph Lopiccolo, IV and Emory Lafaye Lopiccolo, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou graduated from the Louise S. McGehee School in 1954 and attended Newcomb College. While in school, Mary Lou formed life-long friendships. In fact, two of her McGehee classmates, Jane Anderson Rote and Jackie Jones Derks, were by her bedside comforting her during the last week of her life. Another special group of life-long friends was affectionately referred to as “The Bridgettes.”

In 1978, Mary Lou married Rufus Carrollton Harris, Jr. in the chapel of Trinity Episcopal Church. This site was special to her, as it was the same place where her parents were married in 1935 and where she was baptized. The ensuing thirty-nine years were among the happiest of her life. Rufus was a consummate gentleman and devoted himself to Mary Lou during their marriage. They enjoyed spending time with family, weekends at their house in Bay St. Louis, travelling the world and relaxing with friends and neighbors at their home on Sena Drive in Old Metairie.

Mary Lou was a member of the Junior League of New Orleans, the Orleans Club where she served on the board, the New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club, and the Southern Yacht Club.

Mary Lou’s family would like to thank Dr. Jayne Gurtler, her devoted oncologist, who always brought a smile to her face.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service on Thursday, October 28, 2021 in the chapel of Trinity Episcopal Church, 1315 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Church Library, followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Louise S. McGehee School or Trinity Episcopal Church.