Francoise Billion Richardson

Francoise Billion Richardson, died at Ochsner Baptist Hospital on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 11:00 am. She was born in Paris, France but lived in New Orleans most of her life. She attended Louise S. McGehee School and Newcomb College. She was an active participant in the affairs of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra as well as other local arts and cultural organizations and was known for her encouragement and generous support.

She was the loving mother of Francie Richardson Stirling (David) and Robert Billion Richardson (Lisa). Her deceased parents were Sadie Downman Billion and Olivier Billion. Her deceased siblings were Armande Billion, Ann Billion and Olivier Billion.

She is the grandmother of Shawn W. Rogers (Lauren) and Justin Rogers and the late Gabriel Billion Richardson. She is the step-grandmother of Grant Yelverton and Blaine Yelverton and the great-grandmother of Olivia Marie Rogers and the late Alexis Grace Rogers.

She is survived by dear friends Shirley Godeau and Tony Tribou, whose love and friendship have meant so much throughout her life.

A special thanks to her caretakers Stacy Brooks, Beverly Bailey, Tanya Scott, Nancy Butler, and Emelina Rivera. Their efforts and dedication are sincerely appreciated by her family.

Funeral services will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. on Monday April 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM followed immediately by a reception in the Parish House adjacent to the Church. Private interment in Metairie Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial preferred to the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, La. 70124, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, 1010 Common Street, New Orleans, La. 70130 or the Gabriel Billion Richardson Foundation c/o 650 Poydras Street, Suite 2249, New Orleans, La. 70130

Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Information 835-2341. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimer.com.