Bernadette R Cortez

Bernadette “Mrs. Bernie” Ragusa Cortez 92 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 31, 2015. “God picked the most beautiful flower in his garden and took her to Himself. And if you shed a tear, remember that tears speak eloquently of overwhelming grief and unspeakable love.” She was the loving wife for 73 years of the late Victor Cortez, Jr. and the beloved mother of Sharon Hymel (Audie) and Karen McDuff (Kenny). She was grandmamma to Courtney Hymel (Fiancé) Matt Gaudet) and Kandice Hanks (Dustin) and the great-grandmamma to Preston Hanks.

Daughter of the late Beatrice Salami Ragusa and Raphael Ragusa. She was sister to Frank Ragusa (Gerry) and the late Emanuella “Mamie” Parrino (Orlando), Phillip (Eunice), Bernard (Gladys), Joseph (Lucille), Ralph (Anna Mae) and Tony (Louise) Ragusa. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She retired at 82 from Ragusa Supermarket. She always had a smile on her face and her love and kindness toward so many will be her legacy. We would like to extend a special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, her loving niece, Carol Linda, her beloved Peaches and Brenetta. We could not have made it without all of you. We will forever be grateful for the tender love and care you showed our mom. Thanks also to her niece, Bernadette, for all her support and to her son-in-law, Kenny McDuff for his early morning sitting. Thanks also to Heart of Hospice for their excellent care, concern and support, especially Linda, Valerie, Lanika and Robin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 4401 Seventh St, Marrero, LA on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at 11:00 am. Visitation from 8:30 am until Mass time. Interment following in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Cemetery, Westwego, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, FL17, Chicago, IL 60601 or East Jefferson Outpatient Oncology Infusion Center, 4200 Houma Blvd. Metairie, LA 70006, in her name.

Express condolences at www.westsideleitzeagan.com.