Enola Byrd Busha

Enola Marie Byrd Busha peacefully joined her beloved husband, Donald Busha, in Heaven on December 26, 2025. Born in New Orleans on January 23, 1952, to Enola Laiche and Earl Byrd, she was lovingly raised by Hilda Byrd and Tony Valenti. Enola was a proud graduate of St. Catherine of Siena and Cabrini High School.

Enola's life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Don, at her 16th birthday party—an unexpected encounter that blossomed into a beautiful and enduring love story. They were joyfully married on June 6, 1975. Shortly after, they opened their first business, Thread and Bobbin, which launched them into a series of successful and rewarding ventures. These included Sew Smart Fabrics, Clear Gear, Regal Real Estate, and #1 Realty Group. Enola was the steadfast heart and soul behind Don's entrepreneurial dreams. She truly embodied the saying, "Behind every successful man is a strong woman."

Together, Enola and Don were blessed with three children and three grandchildren. Enola dedicated herself to being an active and loving presence in their lives, always making sure they were cared for with home-cooked meals, packed lunches, and endless love. Her family fondly remembers her as "the GREATEST cook ever." Food was her love language, and she spent years compiling her favorite recipes into a cookbook—a cherished gift that will continue to nourish her loved ones for generations to come.

In addition to her love of family, Enola had an adventurous spirit. She traveled the world with her family, creating lasting memories across the globe. From climbing pyramids in Mexico to experiencing the snow-capped Alps, from standing atop the Eiffel Tower to exploring Christkindlmarkets in Germany, Enola embraced every adventure with joy. She ziplined and whitewater rafted in Costa Rica, sipped whisky in Irish taverns, enjoyed a luau in Hawaii, marveled at glaciers calving in Alaska, swam in the Aegean Sea, and wandered the streets of Venice. She even dipped her toes in the Black Sea and savored Turkish coffee in Asia. Japan was on her itinerary for June, but Heaven must have called her home first.

Enola's impact on those around her was profound. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Enola is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Donald Busha, as well as her parents Hilda and Tony Valenti, and Earl and Enola Byrd. She is also reunited with cherished family members Ronnie and Virginia Byrd, Billie and Sal Iannazzo.

She leaves behind her loving children: Ainsley Freshour (R. Tyler Freshour), Donald Busha (Diana Busha), and Austin Busha; her precious grandchildren: Eliana Freshour, Teague Freshour, and Lillian Busha; her sister, Janet Dressler (Gary Dressler); nieces Kathleen Wallace and Cindy Logue (Frank Logue); nephews Chad Busha (Courtney Hymel), Timmy Byrd (Tracy Byrd), and Alex Dressler (Taylor Dressler).

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lake Lawn Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM in the chapel, with interment at Metairie Cemetery.