Adel Hesse

Adel Lorraine Jenness Hesse, age 103, passed away peacefully on February 19th. She was born in New Orleans, LA, on April 18, 1919 to Remy and Laura Jenness, the younger of two daughters. She grew up in New Orleans and later attended Brenau University, graduating with a degree in Social Work. During WWII, she met the love of her life, Major Charles P. Hesse, DVM. Together they raised four children, remaining devoted for 53 years until his passing in 1996.

As a child of the Depression, Adel learned to “look your best with what you have.” Every day she was simply but elegantly dressed, with her pearls and always with her lipstick on! But for those that knew Adel, it was evident the true source of her beauty and vitality was her Christian faith. She faced many losses, including loved ones and her home after Katrina, but her faith gave her resilience and courage to move forward.

Adel was an avid reader, gardener, and seamstress. She also devoted much of her energy to various organizations, serving on the Board of Trustees for St. Martin’s School and on the Vestry, Altar Guild, and Flower Guild at St. Martin’s Church, where she was a charter member. She also volunteered on the Flower Guild at Longue Vue Gardens and was a Charter member of the Entre Nous Book Club.

Adel valued relationships above all else. Her quick mind and incredible memory made her a gifted storyteller, recalling events with vivid details and humor. She made everyone feel special, both old and young, particularly when she would share a cute, humorous story with them. She was thoughtful, kind, and witty, often expressing herself in a beautifully handwritten note that entertained and encouraged. Her artistic creativity enabled her to elevate little, everyday things into something beautiful for others to enjoy. That same eye for aesthetics later served her professionally in midlife when she launched a career in Interior Decorating. Her clients, family, and friends will remember her for her many talents, but her most lasting impression will surely be the great love she had for others. And for this she will be dearly missed by many generations.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her eldest son, Richard J. Hesse, M.D. (Claire), and her sister, Lucille Busenlener. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy H. Ambrose, and husband, Paul, of Knoxville, TN; son Michael O. Hesse and wife, Susan of St. Francisville, LA; son David P. Hesse, DVM and wife Beth of Metairie, LA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Caitlin Collier (Jim), Shelley Hesse, Richard Hesse (Stephanie), Christopher Ambrose (Rose), Colin Ambrose (Trisha), Laura Miller (Drew), Arla Slaughter (John), Shannon Driscoll (Collin), Nowell Hesse (Alyce), and 20 great-grandchildren.

We want to thank the wonderful staff at Peristyle Lake Ave. for their care during the final months of her life. The family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 2216 Metairie Road, Metairie. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Church. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, or to St. Jude’s Shrine, 512 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201.