Michele Alba Sweigard

Michele Alba Sweigard, a native of New Orleans, passed away at the age of 62 into the loving arms of our Lord on January 4, 2015 in Slidell, Louisiana at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, Nannette and Lawrence Ringham. She was surrounded by her devoted and caring family. Beloved wife of 25 years of Duane Edmond Sweigard, loving mother of Dustin Richard Sweigard, devoted grandmother of Aliyah Michel Sweigard. Michele was predeceased by her father, Richard Oswald Alba Sr., nephew Richard Austin Alba, nephew Alexander Isaac Alba and Uncle Charles Gilmore Alba Jr. Michele graduated from Chapelle High School in 1970 where she was president of her sophomore class. She resided in New Orleans and was previously a resident of Pompano Beach FL (where she was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary) and Christiansted St. Croix USVI.

Michele is survived by her mother, Marcella Humes Alba of Slidell and her loving siblings and their wonderful supportive spouses, Renee Alba Jezek (Alan Frank Sr.) of San Antonio TX, Richard Oswald Alba, Jr. (Joelina) of Houston, TX and Nannette Alba Ringham (Lawrence) of Slidell, LA; nephews Alan F. Jezek Jr., Igor V. Alba, Kayron V. Alba and nieces Krista Lynn Jezek, Vanessa Alba Sanders-Makinson and Marcella V. Alba. She is also survived by Aunt Anne Alba Shubert and Uncle Adrian Thomas Alba, as well as many close cousins, family members and friends.

Special thanks go to her best friend and neighbor Susan “Spooky” Terrell that was a part of Michele’s daily life for many years; Beth and Andy Bittson of Houston, TX that opened their hearts and home to Michele so many times; MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, especially Dr. Siqing Fu and his staff; Touro Infirmary and nursing staff; Dr. Leonard Glade who was so kind during Michele’s long battle with cancer; and the compassionate staff of Notre Dame Hospice. Thanks also to Pilots for Patients and their generous and kind pilots who flew her to MD Anderson so many times. God is truly under their wings.

Michele had a sparkle in her eyes and a contagious, exuberant smile. She was a kind-hearted person and loved her family and friends dearly and unconditionally. So much like her father, she had an incredible zest for life and never met a stranger. Michele loved Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, Halloween and the New Orleans Saints, as well as the sun, beaches and blue water anywhere as long as it was warm. Michele, Duane and Dustin enjoyed their family time and watersports business in St. Croix, USVI for many years. It was a little bit of heaven to them all.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 3924 Berkley Street in Slidell LA on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of Michele’s life. A private interment at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum will take place at a later date. To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.