Phyllis Toledano Martinez Anson

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Anson; her parents, Francis Benjamin Toledano and Lauré Marie de St. Germain Toledano; her siblings, Charles Toledano, Elizabeth Blache, Mary Alice Sentilles, F. Benjamin Toledano, and James Toledano; her son, Mark Thomas Martinez; and her grandson, Max Potier.

Phyllis is survived by her siblings, Richard Toledano, Laurie Toledano, Lucille Bolton, Anna Young, and Lorraine Guion; her children, Laurie Neely, Ron Martinez (Cathy), daughter-in-law, Jodi Picolo Martinez, Claudia Marshel (Julia), and Andrew Martinez; her grandchildren, Alfred, Evan, Marcelle, Mark Jr., Tori, Matthew, Isabelle, Elena, Maya, Emily, Mason, and Lila; and her great-grandchildren, Martin, Molly, Charlotte, Luke, Celia, Noah, and Iris.

Born on January 23, 1936, in New Orleans, Phyllis lived in the city until she relocated to Metairie after Hurricane Katrina. She dedicated her career to International City Bank, The Toledano Agency, and Resurrection of Our Lord Church. Phyllis raised five children and was blessed with twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and lived with an open heart and an inviting home. Her house was a place where family and friends knew they were always welcome. Holidays spent at “Mamere’s” house were inviting, warm, joyful, and filled with laughter. Any celebration at Mamere's included baked chicken or turkey, rice and gravy, and an abundance of love. Phyllis had a beautiful smile, a twinkle in her eye, and was always ready to sing a childhood jingle, dance a jig with her grandchildren, or color and draw with her great-grandchildren. She loved to listen to stories and reminisce about the antics her grandchildren got up to while she dozed off during babysitting. She found joy in the smallest of God's creations—a chirping songbird or a budding rose—and could find the silver lining in any situation. Phyllis lived to share the love of Jesus with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, exemplifying Christ's humility, selflessness, and unwavering love. We will miss her greatly, but we are grateful that she is now enjoying eternity with our Savior, most likely dancing and laughing with her family in heaven.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation and Funeral Mass on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. The burial will take place immediately after the services at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located at 1427 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com