Lydia Marciante McDougald

Lydia Marciante McDougald passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 19, 2025, at the age of 99 years old. Lydia, affectionately known as Lyd, was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana on September 20, 1926. She is preceded in death by her parents Oscar A. Jenkins and Susan H. Jenkins. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose thoughtful nature touched the hearts of all who knew her. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church.

She was a member of The Elenians, an Italian women’s organization. She was also a member of the Jefferson Parish Golden Age Club for 12 years. Lydia’s family was her pride and joy. She was a stay-at-home mom and wife, but after her first husband’s passing, she wanted to stay busy. She accepted the position of Director at Kindercastle Preschool and continued to work there for 27 years.

She was a classy red head and a true hostess with a gift for cooking and entertaining. She filled her home with warmth and made almost every event a celebration. Lydia never let anyone leave hungry. She had a passion for playing cards and hosted card parties for friends and family. These parties were a big part of her social life then and for decades to come.

Above all Lydia understood what truly mattered, family, love and the joy of just being together. Her warmth, kindness and zest for life touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed but will hold a special place in our hearts forever.

Preceding her in death were three wonderful men who were her husbands. She was the wife of the late Anthony J. Marciante for 23 years and Roy L. McDougald for 9 years. The beloved wife of Charles J. Montecino for 17 years. Also preceded in death was her beloved son John A. Marciante and her cherished sister Benervey “Nabe” Smith-Watts.

She leaves behind her sons Anthony J. Marciante, Jr. (the late Connie Marciante) and Paul J. Marciante (Ann), Daughter-in-Law Sheryl Marciante Leblanc (Jim), her stepson Glenn McDougald (Elizabeth) and stepdaughter Mary Smith (Carl).

She adored her grandchildren Michael Marciante (Ashley), Anthony Marciante III (Jenna), Michelle Lanier (Eddie), Laura Berger (Richard), Christina Persand (Eddie), Lauren Day (Dustin), Devin McDougald (Brittany) and her great-grandchildren John Michael and Dylan Marciante, Parker and London Lanier, Griffin and Emery Persand, Vivien and Audrey Marciante, James Berger, Dalton, Adalyn and Britton Day.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral mass to be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 12 noon for relatives and friends. A private burial will follow.