Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Mitchell Azcona

Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Mitchell Azcona passed away peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2022. She was born on July 1, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana to John Patrick and Charlotte Allamont Mitchell. She was devoted to her husband, her family, her students, and her Catholic faith. Betty graduated from Sacred Heart High School in New Orleans, LA, and received her college degree from Ursuline College of New Orleans, where she attended on a full academic scholarship. She was President of the Academic Society as well as President of the Dramatic Society. She was also on the newspaper staff, played on the varsity basketball team, and was on the Audubon swimming team. Betty devoted her working career to the education of young minds as a teacher at McDonough No.39 and Metairie Grammar schools, as well as serving as Catholic Catechism instructor for many years at St. Maria Goretti Church.

Betty and Jim started dating when she was 16 years old. She married the love of her life in 1951. Betty and Jim were married for over 70 years and had 5 children. They were a team as speakers for Catholic Pre-Cana Seminars. Together they received training and were commissioned as Ministers of Holy Communion at St. Maria Goretti Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, La. She was a member of the parish councils for St. Francis Cabrini and St. Maria Goretti churches.

She and Jim moved to Rayne, LA after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home. The wonderful people in Rayne made the transition much easier. Betty became a member of Catholic Daughters of America while residing in Rayne.

Known as B.B. to her grandchildren she always had a game to play and tons of food ready 24 hours a day. Holidays were her specialty. She was an accomplished cook. Christmas day at her table was a treasured experience.

Betty and Jim had many friends that they enjoyed entertaining and spending time with. She was a world traveler, voracious reader and loved to watch Classic movies and paint. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved all things New Orleans.

She is survived by her beloved husband, James C. "Jim" Azcona, and children, James C. Azcona, Jr., Ann Elizabeth Azcona Ewin (Dabney), Susan "Suze" Azcona Davis Stouff (Roger), Stephen John Azcona (Colleen), and Nancy Ann Azcona Lawson (Mark), along with her grandchildren John Scott Davis, Jr. (Dana), Elizabeth Azcona Aucoin (Troy), Melissa Lawson Salmon (Jameson), Stephen George Azcona (Olivia), Lindsey Ann Lawson, and Katherine Courtney Azcona. She is also survived by her sister Joan Mitchell Mayeaux (A.J., deceased), her beloved great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Patricia Mitchell Crellin (Raymond, deceased), and John Patrick "Jack" Mitchell Jr. (Laura). She will be dearly missed by all. Due to Covid pandemic precautions, a private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Betty's name to either of the following charities: Ursuline Chapel- The National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor or Children's Hospital of New Orleans - www.chnola.org