Betty Strickland Leydecker-Walsten

Betty Strickland Leydecker-Walsten passed away peacefully at her home on January 14, 2023 with her daughters by her side. We were so blessed to have her in our lives for 89 glorious years. She was the loving wife of 41 years by first marriage to the late Phil Leydecker and by second marriage for 18 years to the late William Walsten. She was the cherished mother of Suzy Leydecker Bourgeois, Lynell Leydecker Brooks and the late Linda Marie Leydecker. She was the adored grandmother of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was the loving sister of Nell Gray, Brenda Price, Melinda Strickland, Morris Strickland and the late Earl Strickland, Sam Strickland and Clinton Strickland. She was the sister-in-law of Martha Scramado, Lucy Strickland, Judy Strickland and the late Billie Jo Strickland. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

She was born on December 13, 1933 to the late Rosia Lee Evans and Travis Washington Strickland. She was a devoted mother who loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally and supported them through all of life's celebrations and challenges. Wherever life took us, she created a happy and loving home where we always found her loving, open arms. She was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and she blessed everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with her. She loved to sit out on her deck and enjoy her beautiful flowers. She was a great cook and loved a cold glass of champagne. She truly loved dancing for many years at Jefferson Orleans in Metairie. She never met a stranger. We will miss her beautiful, smiling face, her bright blue eyes and her kind, gentle voice. We will carry her love in our hearts forever.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the family tomb in Metairie Cemetery.

To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com.