Mike and Mary Lou,

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.  We send our deepest condolences.

The Guillot Family

My earliest memories of my grandmother are our Saturday visits to her home on St. Maurice Street. The overwhelming joy of walking into my grandmother’s house on those Saturday mornings is hard to explain to anyone who hasn't known it. There were so many factors that contributed to that joy you felt the moment your feet tapped the hard floor. Perhaps one factor was the aroma of the cloves in grandmas wonderful red gravy that hit you upon entrance, and there was the excitement to know that you were about to enjoy a delicious meal on one of those little white plates with the navy seal on them. There was also the challenge of thinking that if you really behaved this time, you just might be granted the permission to enjoy your drink with your meal and not after you ate. (That actually never happened for me -but grandmas rules were grandmas rules) I have such fond memories of sitting on her kitchen floor petting Domino's head through a crack in the back screen door while she cooked. There was also that excitement on the visits that there might be a chance that she would again show everyone how she could still stand on her head on the living room floor! All of these factors were major contributors to the wonderful memory of that joyous feeling for me, but the biggest contributing factor was just her. She had a smile that lit up the room and when she smiled at you, you felt her love. That stayed constant through my entire life and I will miss that dearly.
      As we grew older and had children of our own, we were blessed that they too knew her love. My grandmother was an incredible sports fan. She loved New Orleans Saints football but also had a love for all sport. Her extensive knowledge of sports greatly surpassed mine. My boys are lucky to have memories of seeing their great grandmother cheering them on from the bleachers. She attended numerous basketball games and there was just no keeping her quiet when she felt that Christian was unfairly fouled (which of course was every time that Christian was fouled). She was a regular at Cole’s baseball games and at 90 years old was made an honorary member of the team. She was even given a team hat in which she wore to every game. Everyone loved her upon meeting her, the parents, the team, the other team - everyone. Once when a parent on the team was absent for a game, I was given the job of updating her on her son’s performance. I called the mom with excitement to tell her that her son had just hit a ball with the bases loaded and everyone came in including him!! My grandmother who was sitting next to me waited until I got off the phone and then whispered to me “Honey that is called a grand slam.” I now have that bit of knowledge from her. I learned more than sports lingo from her though. I learned what it is like to be loved unconditionally.
     I know my grandmother is in heaven now. I imagine her showing everyone how she can stand on her head. She has the best seat in the house when the Saints do make it back to the super bowl, and she is smiling down at every one of us with that same infectious smile that we will miss so dearly. She wouldn't want for us to be sad now she would be encouraging us to remember her as the spunky, happy, adventurous person that she was and to of course S- M- I -L- E

May god bless her sole while she is sitting looking down happy as can be

Ms. Rita was the sweetest lady.  I remember painting with her, well she used color pencils. She was always trying to be helpful, I guess that showed her motherly instinct.  She was always encouraging her neighbors. Ms. Rita was more than just a resident, she became like family and a great friend.  She was cherished and will forever be remembered and loved.  

The entire staff at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home wishes to express our sincere condolences. 

OBITUARY

Rita Strassel Adragna

25 September, 1922 – 2 March, 2020

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services