Vivian Alita Ryan Coyle

Vivian Alita Coyle, born December 21, 1929 to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan (Katie Young) at their home in the Irish Channel, New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2017 surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 yrs., Raymond Daniel Coyle, Sr., her sister Helen R. Pacaccio, and her brother, John “Bubby” Weldon Ryan. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Mary Laughlin Plunkett (William, Sr.), her four children, Maureen C. Johnson (Bruce, Sr.), Sheila C. Ory (Jim), Kathleen Ann Coyle, M.D., Raymond Daniel Coyle, Jr., and two grandsons, Bruce Johnson, Jr. (Corie), and Daniel Ory (Lauren). Family wishes to thank all of those who provided care, support and especially prayers. Special thanks to Robert L. Jordon, CPA.

Vivian was a very caring and dedicated person. She sought to serve and did so. She had many talents and skills for which she was often called upon by others to utilize in their service. She was a proficient seamstress which was of great benefit to many. She always did her best to perform whatever others called upon her to do regardless of the burden to herself. She performed well under pressure. She enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, and knitting. She made Mardi Gras costumes, ball gowns, and just about anything she was asked to make. She was creative, an original thinker, and enjoyed pleasing others. She enjoyed writing poetry and lyrics. She was playful and enjoyed having fun. She was a loyal sports fan. She had a pleasant singing voice and often sang when she was happy.

Vivian loved life, especially people. She selflessly did her best to assist others in any way she could. Her caring nature was evident and others gravitated to her especially children and animals. She enjoyed children and children enjoyed being with her. She was a much sought out and trusted baby sitter, caregiver, and pet sitter throughout her life. Those needing assistance knew she would not refuse them. Vivian was dedicated to the infirmed and elderly. She volunteered full-time at Hotel Dieu Hospital and humbly accepted recognition as Volunteer of the Year. She was always there for others. A dedicated and compassionate listener, she made it her duty to visit the sick and grieving. She brought comfort and joy to others. She was at ease at gatherings of people of all ages and backgrounds. She had a quick wit and others enjoyed conversing with her. She enjoyed participating in senior organizations and served as Recording Secretary for the Jefferson Parish Golden Age Club at Bright Playground. She was a lifelong learner. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society.

Vivian was a lifelong learner. Vivian loved cooking and perfected the art of baking at an early age. Prior to marriage and until the birth of her first child, she excelled as a keypunch operator at Commodity Credit and for the Navy. While raising her family, she attended vocational school to learn typing. She earned a GED after not being in school for more than 40 yrs. She was selected Valedictorian of her class but declined this recognition. After her children were grown, she did office work at Mexic Bros. Jewelers. She later completed an industrial cooking curriculum. She applied this knowledge to serve as a cook at schools and nursing homes. She earned a certificate in computers. Vivian learned sign language. She supported others in their learning efforts and enjoyed teaching others her skills. She was a very humble person and never recognized her own talents.

Vivian was especially loyal to her family and friends. Vivian was the most devoted and lovable of mothers and grandmothers. She never focused on herself and spent her life serving others. Vivian and her husband were committed to the Catholic Church and to Catholic education. They made this the focus of their family life. They were founding parishioners of St. Benilde Parish in Metairie, La. They had mutual respect and admiration for the Irish Nuns that came to America initially to serve as educators for the parish school. Vivian was a ready volunteer at the school. She was a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society and later volunteered for St. Clement of Rome parish office. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Vivian’s life on Thursday, January 26, 2017, 6 PM to 9 PM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. A Visitation will take place on Friday, January 27, 2017, 10 AM to 11 AM, at St. Mary’s Assumption Church, a site of service of the blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, 923 Josephine St., New Orleans, LA, followed by a requiem and Memorial Service, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery.