Audrey Theresa Poolson Mader (Peanut)

Audrey Theresa Poolson Mader (Peanut) of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2022, at home in the presence of her loving children, she was 93 years old. She now joins her beloved husband of 47 years, Oliver Joseph Mader Jr. (O.J.) in eternal rest. Peanut was born July 24th, 1929, in Waveland Mississippi to the late Charles B. Poolson and Bernice Creel Poolson. Peanut was proceeded in death by her siblings Jerry Poolson, Charles Poolson Jr., and Patricia Poolson Pitalo. Devoted mother and wonderful matriarch of Barbara Gaignard (Art), Bruce Mader Sr. (Dee), Brenda Guinta (Joe), Brian Mader (Shari), Brent Mader (Jennifer), Barry Mader (Laurie), and Bill Mader Sr. (Deanna). Loving grandmother of Scott Gaignard, Bruce Mader Jr. (Ginger), Andrea Richardson, Jordan Guinta, Evan Guinta, Allison Mader, Adam Mader, Rachel Anding (Daniel), Doug Mader (Marianne), Haley Jersey (Rick), Molly Mader, Bonnie Mader, Brittany Mader, Bryson Mader, Brennen Mader, Brett Mader and Bill Mader Jr. Peanut adored her great grandchildren as well; Paolo Richardson, Taylor Meyer, Jake Meyer, Hunter Mader, Tyler Gaspard, Mason Anding, Luke Anding, and Callie Jersey. Peanut attended St. Joseph's Academy in Bay St. Louis. After high school graduation she moved to New Orleans to attend Hotel Dieu's Nursing School at age 17. While in New Orleans, she met the love of her life O.J. on a blind date. She graduated from Hotel Dieu in 1950 as an RN and began her long distinguished nursing career at the old VA Hospital in Lakeview. She paused her career from nursing for many years to raise her family. As her children grew older, she went back and resumed her vocation. She retired after 25 years of service at Lakeside Women’s Hospital in Metairie. Nursing may have been her career, but her real passion was her family. Nearly every weekend in the 60s and 70s was spent traveling to visit her family in Mississippi. She may have lived in Louisiana for most of her life, but her heart was always in Bay St. Louis. Peanut was a devout Catholic and a practicing St. Philip Neri parishioner since 1968. Her world was turned upside down in 1999 with the passing of her beloved O.J. She carried that heartbreak with her for the remainder of her life. She often felt cheated out of her golden years because they were such a wonderful couple. They lovingly and unconditionally supported each the while making many personal sacrifices to raise and educate their children. Her home continued to be the focal point for all family and holiday events. Monday nights became Red Bean night. Anyone and everyone were welcomed to come over for dinner. Peanut cooked a variety of other dishes, but the red beans were always a staple. Peanut also enjoyed her monthly Pokeno games with friends and neighbors. She always enjoyed the gatherings, food, gossip, and fun. That core group of ladies have been routinely playing cards now for over fifty years. Peanut was a huge Saints fan. She has always cheered on the Black and Gold even through the lean years. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her primary caregiver Kay. The staff at “A Helping Hand LLC” were amazing also, especially Michelle and her part-time relief worker Sonia. These ladies were very diligent, professional, and loving. Peanut was always well cared for and comfortable in their presence within her home until her passing. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Philip Neri Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, LA. starting 10:00 am on Saturday September the 10th followed by a Catholic Mass at noon. Interment to follow at St. Louis III Cemetery on Esplanade Ave., in New Orleans. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.