Patricia Ann Kessler

Patricia (“Trish”) Ann Haydel Kessler, age 87, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Joseph Haydel and Mary Agnes Steele Haydel, and her brother, Ray Joseph Haydel, II.

She is survived by her husband, James M. Kessler; her brother, Stan Haydel; her four children: Allyson Kessler Howie (René Gautreaux), Gregory Kessler (Catherine), David Kessler (Amy), and Jennifer Kessler LaBorde; her five grandchildren: Michelle Howie Regan (Will), Rachel Howie, James Kessler, David Kessler, and Kate LaBorde; and one great-grandchild, Henry Regan.

Trish was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended St. Catherine of Siena, Ursuline Academy and Louisiana State University. She obtained a B.S. Degree in Education and majored in both Math and English. She taught Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus at East Jefferson High School and later Riverdale High School. At home she taught both subjects. She was known to correct her children’s grammar. Thankfully, no one was singled out as there were four of them. Her most tortured victims, though, were her husband, total strangers, and the local meteorologist, who incorrectly advised his viewers to bring their umbrella with them on rainy days. Use of the words ‘bring’ or ‘take’ incorrectly by anyone within hearing distance provoked an immediate correction from Trish. As with most teachers she had excellent hearing!

She played sports most of her life, learning how to play tennis and snow ski after college. She was extremely well read, quick witted, and an excellent bridge player, with a rank of Silver Life Master. She was a devout Catholic and through all she endured she never lost faith in God. She never forgot a birthday and loved sending cards on all occasions, always making sure to include a dollar bill, because as she said, “What’s a card without money.”

One of the last cards she sent included a beautiful message about her husband and how much she loved him and was thankful for him taking such good care of her and the life they had together.

She was loved by many and will be remembered by all who knew her.