Mary Ann Michel Hemelt

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Alfred and Marie Menard Michel, Sr., along with her sister June, brothers Alfred (Yvonne), Lynn (Ruth), Roy (Mary Beth), Stanley (Angie), and cousin Rose Marie Chevolleau. She is survived by brothers Robert (Jackie) and Guy (Betsy) Michel along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary Ann was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and was a longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish. She relocated to Marrero after Hurricane Katrina and returned to St. Bernard Parish in 2024. She worked as a beautician for many years before joining the staff of St. Bernard Parish Community College (now Nunez Community College) where she was the Procurement Officer until retirement in 2005.

She led a very active life and especially loved Mardi Gras. She was a longtime member of the Krewes of Amor & Atreus. She and her husband are the last reigning Queen & King of both organizations. For many years, she and her husband, along with several family members, made and decorated the headpieces, collars, dresses, tunics, and capes for several local Mardi Gras organizations courts, including a Zulu King, and a Lake Charles carnival club. She shared her love for Mardi Gras with many of her nieces and nephews by taking them to parades across the New Orleans area and providing some with the opportunity to ride on a float with her. For many years, she also took some of them with her to the Jazz & Heritage Festival while she worked in a drink booth.

She was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Ladies Auxiliary. She served as President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, and a Board Member of the Ladies Auxiliary. During her years with the Ladies Auxiliary, she and a fellow member established and served as co-directors for the Kaycettes, a group that served young girls. She enjoyed helping with the Louisiana Crawfish Festival, St. Joseph’s Altar, Trick-or-Trunk, and Christmas events.

She treasured the memories made and time spent at Anchor Lake, casinos, and cruising the world with family and friends, especially her OPGs.

The family would like to thank Trey, Felicia, Shakeitha, Denisha and Stacey for the compassionate care provided to Mary Ann in her final days.

She was a wonderful and loving sister, aunt, and friend who always gave the tightest and best hugs. She will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday, March 31st from 11:00AM – 1:00PM, followed by a funeral service in Mary Ann's honor beginning at 1:00PM. She will be laid to eternal rest at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.