CLAIRE MONTELEPRE CRESSON died suddenly while at Mass on Christmas morning, December 25, 2018. She was 91 and a resident of Metairie. Claire was a woman who truly loved the Lord with her whole being, so dying at church on Jesus’s birthday was almost God orchestrated. We wish to thank the parishioners at St. Louis King of France Church, who were present at the 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass. They were so lovely in rendering aid to try to revive her, whether it was calling 911, doing CPR, checking her pulse, holding her head, or flagging down the ambulance.
She was a former Regina Matrum, awarded yearly to a Catholic mother that best exemplifies the ideals of Catholic motherhood, family life and service to others. Claire had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. She was a graduate of Annunciation High School. She married Russell Cresson in 1950, and was married to him for almost 67 years. They had nine children, 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was affectionately called “Prec” (short for “Precious”). Claire was a sweet, kind woman who truly loved all people, and would constantly help others.
Her husband Russell, Loyola’s long-time photographer, predeceased her, as well as two children, Russell G. Cresson, Jr. and Dr. Gregory John Cresson. She is survived by her seven other children: Kathleen Cresson, Guy Cresson (Pam); Diane Schwing (Adrian); Mary Kay Enger (Dan); Jeanne Ineich (Joe); John Cresson (Cathe), and Russell Jeffery Cresson (Denean).
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, December 31, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue in Lakeview. There will be a rosary recited at 12:30 p.m., with a Mass to be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. The burial will follow at Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Louis King of France Church, 1609 Carrollton Ave., Metairie, Louisiana 70005 or to the Sisters Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, 5001 Perlita St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70122-1999.
