Linda Ann Russell Vernaci

Linda was born on November 13, 1940 to William and Lydia (maiden name Fulco) Russell in New Orleans, LA. She graduated from The Academy of the Holy Angels and then after raising her daughters when they were young, she went on to work for the Jefferson Parish School System until her retirement. Linda was known for selflessly giving her time with many organizations: she was a guild member of St. Michael’s Special School; former officer and volunteer of We Care for Special People; co-founder and officer of Special Connections (a day program for special needs adults in Kenner); volunteered with various schools and Catholic churches; and served meals with a soup kitchen. She was also a past parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Church and a current parishioner of Divine Mercy Catholic Church (formerly known as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton), where she was a past member of the Altar Society and a Eucharistic Minister. In 2004, she was awarded the Regina Matrum from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish recognizing her Catholic family values. In her free time, Linda enjoyed gardening, needlework and crafts, traveling, and visiting with family (especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren).

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lydia Russell.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Victor J. Vernaci. She is also survived by her daughters, Vicki V. Lee (James), Lisa Vernaci, Susan V. Pisciotta (Steven), and Kathi V. Logan (Russell Beall); brother, Raymond Russell (Anna); sister-in-law, Terry Duarte (Neil); grandchildren, Kyle (Brittany), Alex (Katie), and Michael (Monica) Boudreau, Jeremy and Christopher (Rachel) Lee, Katy Pisciotta-Fowler (Stephen) and Ashley P. Blakesley (Kyle), Brandon (Maris) and Miranda Logan, and Cameron Beall; great-grandchildren, Maiya Pisciotta, Walker and Lucy Blakesley, Rosalie and Reed Boudreau, Felix Boudreau, Sawyer and Cooper Lee, and Olivia Lee; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Tracy Perkins, Precious Carroll, and My Hospice for their exceptional care over dear Linda over the last few years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with her Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow on the same grounds in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Special Connections, at P.O. Box 640022 Kenner, LA 70064, or at www.specialconnectionsnola.com.