Kathryn "Kay" Eshleman Rapier

Mettha Kathryn “Kay” Eshleman Rapier passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Michael Joseph Rapier, and two daughters, Elizabeth Eshleman Rapier and Anne Campbell Rapier. She is survived by her children, Michael Joseph Rapier, Jr., James Westfeldt Rapier (Marion), and Jane Rapier Spence (Jason). She also is survived by six grandchildren, Michael Joseph Rapier, III, Ana Marie Hale Rapier, Hudson Andrew Westfeldt Rapier, Campbell Rapier Spence, Parker Eshleman Spence, and Anne Kathryn Spence.

She was the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Eshleman and Mettha Westfeldt Eshleman and sister to the late Benjamin Franklin Eshleman, Jr. (Janie). She is survived by her sisters, Martha Augusta Eshleman and Sidney St. John Eshleman Thornton (Norwood) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was a graduate of Holy Name of Jesus School, St. Genevieve of the Pines School in Asheville, North Carolina, and Sophie Newcomb College, where she earned a degree in Zoology, and spent most of her adult years as a “professional volunteer.” Kay served as President of the Junior League of New Orleans and was named Sustainer of the Year in 1988. She provided her expertise in Parliamentary Procedure for many years and served on numerous boards, including the National Association of Volunteer Bureaus, the Volunteer and Information Agency, St. Vincent's Infant Home, Associated Catholic Charities, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, and the United Way of Greater New Orleans. She was instrumental in helping create the community service program at Sacred Heart and received the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award in 1992. She enjoyed many years as a member of the New Orleans Town Gardeners and the French Broad River Garden Club in Asheville, North Carolina.

The family would like to thank everyone at St. Anna’s at Lambeth House, especially Jada Eddington, Kendra Ackerman, Jasmine Mabens, Dayton Smith, Andreana Love, and Eleonora Bullock, for their care, support, and love.

A visitation at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. A private interment will follow the Mass. Friends and family are encouraged to wear bright colors to celebrate Kay’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Academy of the Sacred Heart - Ana Marie Scholarship Fund, 4521 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com