Gwendolyn Calongne Gilthorpe Weidig

Irene Gwendolyn Calongne Gilthorpe Weidig, known to most as Gwen or Mimi, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at the age of 97½. Born in New Orleans and raised in Mid-City, she spent most of her adult life in Metairie, where she created a home grounded in family, resilience, and grace.

Gwen was the embodiment of elegance—a woman of timeless style and an unmistakable flair for beautiful shoes. She attended St. Anthony of Padua School, where her faith journey began, and was a proud graduate of Saint Mary’s Dominican High School. She pursued her passion for dance under the instruction of Hazel Nuss and later Leila Haller, carrying a lifelong appreciation for artistry, discipline, and self-expression.

An extraordinary optimist, Gwen approached life with determination, creativity, humor, and grit. She embraced many roles with remarkable adaptability and strength: dancer, model, bank clerk, bride, mother, seamstress, teacher, caregiver, and family leader. Within her home, she was the steady and guiding force—serving as nurse, first responder, counselor, financial advisor, negotiator, and problem solver. She had a rare gift for assessing any situation and offering thoughtful, practical solutions. In later years, she entered the workforce with Bertucci Dental Clinic, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana State Racing Commission.

Her greatest joy was her family. Gwen was deeply devoted to her children and took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. Her love of sewing became a lasting legacy—she designed and crafted beautiful clothing for herself and her children and generously shared her talents with others. She delighted in passing along her knowledge of fashion and beauty, guiding her daughters and sisters in the finer details of style and presentation.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Bill” Gilthorpe Jr.; her second husband, Walter Weidig; her parents, George and Gertrude Calongne; her devoted mother-in-law, Elsie Gilthorpe; and her siblings, Gerry Fugas, Cire Calongne, Gayle Calongne, and Sister Mary Bonaventure OP (Nee Germaine Calongne).

She is survived by her children, William E. Gilthorpe III (Paulette), Timothy P. Gilthorpe (Maryanne), Patti Barovechio (Frank), Kelly Burkenstock (Robert Bolin), and Shawn Weese (Stuart); her cherished sisters—Wanda Henry, Gaynel Leonard, and Georgette Sloan; her beloved grandchildren, Will, Jared, and Stephan Gilthorpe, Katie Fox, Mollie Gilthorpe, Emilie Gauthier, Tim, Nicholas, and Sean Gilthorpe, Topher and Martin Rieth, Elsie Nicole Trahan, Zoe Barovechio, Austin and Blaze Burkenstock, Chandler Hayes, and Jack, Margo and Bradley Weese; and many great-grandchildren as well as treasured Calongne and Perez nieces and nephews who carry forward her legacy of strength, style, and love.

Gwen will be remembered as a woman of faith, poise, and enduring optimism. Her presence brought beauty, order, and warmth to all who knew her. She leaves behind not only a devoted family but also a lasting imprint of grace and resilience. The world is a better place—and we are better for having known her.

Visitation will take place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124, on Friday, May 1, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., with recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 4640 Canal Street, with interment to follow in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery.