Mae Rose White Durand

Mae Rose White Durand, 96, of Chateau Living Center in Kenner, LA, passed away on October 6, 2025 after a long life, but inevitable battles with health, including dementia. Mae Rose was born on May 10, 1929 in New Orleans, LA, as the sixth of 8 children of Irma Churchill White and Gustav L. White, Sr.

She was married for 65 years to the love of her life, Donald J. Durand, Sr., until his death in 2014. At 96, she survived long after the passing of all her siblings and their spouses.

Mae Rose was a native of New Orleans, but lived in many other places, including California, several additional areas in Louisiana, and also Picayune, MS.

Mae Rose and Donald met when she was leading horseback rides along Lake Pontchartrain. Three months later they were engaged and married on August 21, 1949.

She loved animals, and had many, especially while living on a farm in the 1960's until a snake entered the kitchen which convinced her that she needed to move back to the city! Life with Donald and Mae Rose was always exciting and memorable!

She is survived by her 4 children, Linda Katicich, Patricia Petersen, Donald, Jr. (Crystal) and Kenneth (Melinda) as well as 7 beloved grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, all of whom love her dearly.

Though she was quite the introvert, Mae Rose kept her nurses and aides at Chateau on their toes during her entire stay-she was always feisty!

Burial will take place at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM, where she will be laid to rest with her forever adoring husband, Donald. There will be no funeral, but a graveside service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Care Associates Hospice, 3941 Houma Blvd., Ste 1-A, Metairie, LA 70006 would be greatly appreciated! Another deserving organization and donation suggestion is The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org.

The family wishes to thank the ladies of Care Associates, especially Valerie and Corrine for their incredible, loving care of our wonderful mother!