Ednamary Assaf Caserta

Ednamary Victoria Assaf Caserta - December 6, 1942-August 30, 2022 was born in Tela, Honduras. She was the first progeny of the union of our parents David Assaf, Jr. (Tela, Honduras) and Edith Lorraine McElroy of New Orleans. "Mary" and our mother were sent back to New Orleans in 1943 by ship while dodging Nazi submarines in the Gulf of Mexico.

Our father was later to join them and began a successful export company in which Mary was employed. Our sister was kind, sweet and most giving, and like our mother, she was a fabulous cook. From our Jerusalem born Abuelita (Victoria), who taught our mother many Arabic and Honduran recipes (especially her "Arroz con Pollo"), Mary became quite the master chef. At holidays she specialized in many Arabic desserts like Ma'amool, Gribe, and even Baklava! She would moan when asked to make Baklava but always came through for us. Mary, whom my brother and I affectionately called "Harry" was upset at the birth of her youngest brother Dennis, because she wanted a little sister. Nevertheless, she would take Dennis on the bus every birthday to Tippery studios downtown to chronicle each passing year. Harry was like a doting second mother to her brothers David and Dennis. She was pure love and generosity. Mary married somewhat late in life to Guy Salvatore Caserta (who died April 12, 2018), a gentle giant, and Maria Victoria Caserta was born. Mary finally got the little sister she always wanted. We will miss our gentle, sweet sister, but know that she is finally reunited with her husband and our beloved parents for whom she mourned constantly. She is survived by her brothers David (Paula), Dennis (Nancy), eight nephews and nieces and thirteen great nephews and nieces. We would like to thank her recent 24/7 caretakers Ruth, Maudine, Trelisha and Jody.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:30 am followed by a funeral mass at noon at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

Mary and Guy worked for the Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS). Donations in Mary's memory may be made to JPAS 1118 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, La. 70001.

The family invites you to share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com