Juanita D. (Neitzie) Troy, 91, passed away peacefully June 20, 2018 at St. Catherine’s Village. Neitzie was the daughter of the late Louis V. DeGruy and Marie Louise Mestayer DeGruy of New Orleans, LA. The youngest of six sisters and one brother, she was born in New Orleans on March 25, 1927.
Neitzie attended Ursuline College in New Orleans, during which time she met her life-long love John Troy from Montgomery, AL, who was attending Loyola University. Following a traditional courtship, they were married in August 1948. They were blessed with three children, John F. (Jay) Troy, Jr., Jean Marie Troy, and James A.T. Troy; four grandchildren from Jay and his wife Jean Anne (Bernard [deceased], Kristina, John III and Peter); two grandchildren from Jimmy and his wife Cathy (Sarah and Colin). John III and his wife Athena have given Neitzie two great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Aria.
Neitzie and her husband John were married for over 61 years. During their time together she was an accomplished homemaker, an outstanding example of a classic Southern lady. She and John always welcomed friends and family to their home. They both loved to cook and entertain, whether hosting a luau, a fish fry, a New Orleans jazz brunch, or a dinner party for 4 or 40.
John’s career as a diplomat for the State Department took him and Neitzie on assignments to Washington, D.C., Bolivia, Argentina, Dominican Republic, and Spain. In every location they immersed themselves in the local language and culture, serving as excellent representatives of the United States.
John retired in 1974, and he and Neitzie built their dream home on the shore of Lake Wilson in Muscle Shoals, AL. Neitzie continued her lifelong love of swimming and tennis, and enjoyed actively participating in various volunteer positions. She and John had a deep relationship with God and were devout Catholics their entire lives.
John and Neitzie moved to St. Catherine’s Village in 2002, and immediately embraced the community life. They made many friends over the years, and enjoyed contributing their talents in various activities. John passed away in 2010, and Neitzie continued her life of love and respect.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison, MS. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the St. Catherine Foundation.
