Lynn Calongne Hendry

Lynn Calongne Hendry, affectionately known as “MeMe,” passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.

Born on July 29, 1946, in New Orleans, Lynn was the daughter of Mae Stella Calongne and Charles Octave “C.O.” Calongne. She was the eldest of five children, and loved her siblings dearly.

Lynn was a proud graduate of St. Joseph's Academy and LSU, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She dedicated her life to teaching and shaping young minds. For more than 25 years, she taught first grade, influencing the lives of countless children with patience, wit, and just enough “mean” to keep everyone in line. She was beloved by her students and fellow teachers alike.

A devout Catholic, Lynn was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Her home overflowed with love and warmth. She found joy in simple things - family gatherings, her newspaper and morning coffee, cooking, her flower beds, her dogs, and most of all, her beloved grandchildren. Christmas Eve at her home was a cherished tradition that she loved - lively, loud, and full of laughter - that perfectly exhibited her unmistakable knack for entertaining.

She is survived by her four children: Shannon Hendry Hernandez (Todd), Kelley Hendry Thompson (Todd), Tre Hendry (Brittney), and Michael Hendry (Leigh); her former husband and father of her children, John Seaton Hendry, Jr.; 14 grandchildren: Ben Hernandez (Ashley), Brant Hernandez (Erin), Jordan Thompson Bowlin (Danny), Anna Thompson Raetzsch (Wilson), Grace Hernandez, Clay Thompson, Lauren Hendry, Brady Hernandez, Mae Thompson, Emma Claire Hendry, Grant Hendry, Harrison Hendry, Banks Hendry, and Wells Hendry; six great-grandchildren, Mallie Ann Hernandez, Hudd Hernandez, John Todd Hernandez, Cohen Bowlin, Grady Bowlin and Sawyer Bowlin; her siblings: Don Calongne (Sheila), Terry Calongne (Kyrne), Ken Calongne (Ann), and Leslie Calongne Chauvin (Larry); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, C.O. and Mae Calongne, and by her infant granddaughter, Harper Hendry.

She leaves behind not just her family, but a lifetime of laughter, stories, and recipes that will be retold and remade for generations.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Esther Brady, Eloyace Scott, Teresa Thomas, and Latrica Scott; her physicians, Dr. Daniel LaVie and Dr. Lara Falcon, and the compassionate team at Audubon Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Baton Rouge from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Cancer Society, or Metanoia Manor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.