Gerda Suckow Senner

Gerda Suckow Senner, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, June 8, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Karl Heinz Senner. She is survived by her children Ralph Senner, Michael Senner and Heidi Means, her sister Hannelore Suckow Braemer of Karlsruhe, Germany, and her 7 grandchildren and great granddaughter.

A native of Wittenberge, Germany and a resident of New Orleans, Gerda lived in the Lambeth House from April 2007 until her passing. It was in 1952 that Gerda set sail aboard the S.S. America, headed for a better life in the US. She found that when she married husband Karl in 1954 and had her 3 children. After living the army life for a few years, Gerda and Karl eventually made their way to uptown New Orleans where Gerda drove a school bus and did charitable work for the foundation at East Jefferson General Hospital. In 1972 she and Karl opened their own marine business, Karl Senner Incorporated, of Kenner, La., which still stands today. It was Gerda's adventurous spirit, true charm, and sharp wit which will be missed so much, but an extraordinary legacy lives on. She learned to fly an airplane in her 60's, opened her own restaurant called The Blue Pheasant in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, served as a Queen of Mardi Gras, and recently authored her own book, All the Thoughts are Free.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gerda's Memorial Service at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA, Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12 noon. Private interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Orleans Medical Missions (NOMMS), P.O. Box 6249, New Orleans, LA 70174.