Born in Gulfport, MS to Alfred Bielenberg and Eva Baehr Bielenberg, Rita Lapara was active and enjoyed riding her bicycle and swimming along the Gulf Coast growing up. When she was twelve, Rita moved to New Orleans. After she met and then married her late husband, Nicholas Lapara, Sr. They lived in the Irish Channel. Rita avidly campaigned for her husband, Nick when he ran and was elected to the Louisiana State House of Representatives. They later moved uptown off the parade route where she and the family loved watching the Mardi Gras parades. Rita and Nick were married for over 66 years.
Rita, or Nana to many, attributed her longevity to keeping active in charitable clubs, Mardi Gras clubs, and her many other hobbies. Her favorite hobbies include sewing and cooking. She was an exceptional seamstress and created fabulous ball gowns and Mardi Gras costumes for the entire family. She enjoyed making beautiful centerpieces for Okeanos Balls. Nana's delicious meals gathered family every Sunday when the grandchildren were younger. Seafood crepes, stuffed crabs, and meatballs and spaghetti followed by her delicious pralines and rum cake for dessert were some of her specialties. Nana also made the best seafood gumbo! Her coffee punch was a big hit at parties!
Nana enjoyed playing cards with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
For many, many years she stayed active in charitable organizations and clubs that promoted activities for children and families in the community.
She was the President of the New Orleans Garden Society, the President of the Okeanos Women's Auxiliary, and the President of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Bielenberg and Eva Baehr Bielenberg; husband, Nicholas J. Lapara, Sr. and her sister, Marie Bielenberg Bostick. Rita will be greatly missed by her loving family: son, Nicholas Lapara, Jr. (Cynthia) and daughter, Linda Andrews (Dr. Sam). Rita was the grandmother to Erica Andrews (John), Jason Andrews (Renee), Kari Bradley (Jarred), and Dr. Nicholas Lapara III (Roxie). Rita also was the great grandmother to Amanda (Todd), Miles, Keaton, Catherine, Lucian, Finley, Ezra, and Collins. Great great grandmother to McKenzie and Marley.
She will also be missed by cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lola, her sweet cat, was her loyal companion of over fifteen years. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Home Instead and Passages Hospice. Special thanks to Elaine Lee for her outstanding care and compassion.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend services on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army of New Orleans or Second Harvest Food Bank.
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