Edna Krantz Melerine

Edna Krantz Melerine passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the age of 97. She was a native of New Orleans and later moved to Delacroix in Saint Bernard Parish until Hurricane Katrina -- when she relocated to Slidell.

She had an inseparable bond with her sister Shirley Brand, who preceded her in death in 2023 and they shared a lifetime of memories together. Whether it was sneaking out of the house as teenagers across the tracks to the dance hall or trekking to the casinos as adults, the two were always together. Edna never learned to drive but Shirley did and often drove the “getaway car” for their many adventures. Edna and her sister even worked together -- employed by the Kleine Kinder Daycare Center where they cared for the babies in the infant room; Aldon Mill where they made hosiery and even Elmers, makers of Chee Wees. Edna loved family crawfish boils, dancing, music, going to Pontchartrain Beach, attending parades and just hanging out with her family. She and her sister loved Elvis and his music.

Edna was the beloved wife of 15 years to Lester Melerine and daughter of the late John Krantz and Mary Cureau Krantz. Preceded in death by her adoring sisters Mary Michel (Sam), Rosie Bertucci (Paul), Shirley Brand (Charlie) and her only brother Albert Krantz (Dorothy). Aunt of Paulie Bertucci (Beverly), Jim, David, and Bruce Bertucci, Dawn Bechtel (Tom), Goddaughter Charlene Sestak (Karl), Stephanie Stephens (Ernie). She was also Aunt to the late Charles Brand Jr., and the late Linda Popwell, Johnny and Tony Bertucci. Edna was sister-in-law to Charles Brand, Sr. and was affectionately known as Nana to Trey Bechtel (Chrystalynne) (Trenton, Brooklynn, Beck, Beaux, Kimber), Ernie Stephens (Heather) (Sydney, Maci, Luke, Grace), Jacob Stephens (Karlee) (Maevery, Zayden), Cristen D' Albor (Andrew) (Logan), Kimmy Carollo (Carlo) (Cooper), and Courtney Delholm (Brian), Kaela Trussell (Daniel) and Charles Brand, III.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Interment will follow by procession to St. Roch Cemetery #2 at 1725 St. Roch Avenue in New Orleans.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.