Gracie Anna Porta McNemar

Gracie McNemar went home to be with the Lord at 4:50 pm Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at the age of 96. Her family was at her side. Born to Julian Vincent and Justine Boudreaux Porta, she was one of seven children born in Central, La., now known as Convent. She is survived by two brothers, L.E. "Buddy" Porta and Ray "Coon" Porta&wife Jackie. She is preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Ralph McNemar; her sons, Ralph McNemar, Jr. and John Ray McNemar; her grandson, Daniel McNemar; her parents, Julian Vincent and Justine Boudreaux Porta; brother, J.V. Porta; sisters: Floyd Coullard, Rose Alice Neese and Bessie Cook. They reared their children in Fairfields. She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and she was a former 74 year member of St. Anthony Church. She was active in St. Anthony School and Church. She belonged to the Altar Society and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. At St. Anthony School, she helped in the cafeteria and wherever she was needed as a member of the Home and School Organization. An active supporter of the CYO, she chaperoned the weekly dances. After 25 years, she won the Chaperone Award. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Louise. A member of the Board of Directors for the Baton Rouge Bowling Association for 35 years, she was inducted into the ABC Hall of Fame of Bowling in 2005. She continued bowling to the age of 90, and was an ardent card player on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She enjoyed the local gambling boats. She lived alone to the age of 94. Her beloved husband worked as a Supervisor at Copolymer. Gracie is survived by her children: Maxine Ryan of West Hills, CA; Nancy McNemar, SSND of Chatawa, MS; Joy Baker&husband Dr. Robert McCarver of Mesa, AZ; Mary Jane Fabre&husband Tim of Central; daughter-in-law, Barbara McNemar of Walker; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Julian&wife Cindy and their children, Jason and Katelyn of Northridge, CA; Michelle McCarthy&husband Rob and daughters, Taylor and Joslyn of Westchester, CA; Steve McNemar&wife Staci of Madisonville and their children, Annalee Starks&husband Brandon and children, Alyse and Berklee of Denham Springs; Jacob McNemar&wife Megan and son Bradley of Central; Stephanie McNemar of Cheyenne, WY; McKenzi MeNemar of Ponchatoula; Stacey McNemar&children, Caleb Hanna of Springfield, and Luke Hanna&wife Ashley of Houma, Danielle and Bradley McNemar of Springfield; David Baker of Mesa, AZ and sons Lexton, Landon, Lathan and Lowen; Joey Baker&wife Jamie and daughters, Odella and Azalia of Portland, OR; Chris Fabre&wife Kerri and children Claire and Nathan of Greenwell Springs; Ben Fabre&wife Meagan and their son Garrett of Slaughter; Jonathan Fabre&wife Jody and their twins, Caroline and Corbin of Zachary; Godchild: Alice Rae Barnette ; Gracie's special friends, Jan Faulkner and Althea Neptune; and numerous cousins, nieces&nephews. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Thursday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm with recitation of the rosary. Visitation will resume Friday from 8:30am until the religious service in the funeral home chapel at 11:00am, conducted by her daughter, Sister Nancy McNemar, SSND. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Grandchildren will serve as her pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the School Sisters of Nortre Dame or Hospice of Baton Rouge-Butterfly Wing.