Jean Marie Guinta passed away on April 2, 2021. She was born on August 27, 1970 to Patricia Crossin Guinta and Lt. Col. Joseph Guinta, Sr. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Guinta, Jr. (Brenda) and their children Jordan and Evan; her brother, John Guinta; and her brother, Greg Guinta and his children, Peyton, Michael, and Natalie. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Pat.
Jean graduated from St. Catherine of Siena, Mercy Academy, and Louisiana State University. She worked for the Louisiana Department of Family Services throughout her career, and she reached the highest level allowed in civil service when she became the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Family Support in 2020. She began her career with the Department of Children and Family Services in 1996 as an eligibility worker, connecting applicants with food assistance. Jean thrived in every role she played and loved solving problems and finding solutions for every client she met. She was happiest when she was serving others and was the epitome of true civil service. When her management potential became evident, she was quickly promoted to leadership positions throughout the Orleans region, South Louisiana, and finally to the deputy position.
While managing SNAP (food stamp) operations at the regional and state levels, Jean also cheerfully took on a leadership role in disaster response in 2009 when hurricane Isaac hit Louisiana. That work became a passion, and she held a lead management role in every disaster afterwards. Jean thrived in the emergency efforts and became a go-to person when leadership was needed. The joy she brought to her role inspired everyone who worked with her. She most recently managed the COVID Isolation sites in Southeast Louisiana and the sheltering of over 10,000 Hurricane Laura and Delta evacuees in New Orleans. Her work in this unprecedented sheltering operation earned the respect of emergency managers throughout the United States.
She delighted in doing the unexpected and was a master of surprising people with small, personal gifts. Jean’s greatest gift was her ability to connect with people, and her empathy for each person she encountered made her a joy to be around.
Jean is sadly and dearly missed by the Wilkinson, Stapleton, Haddigan, and Trauth families, as well as countless Mercy and LSU classmates. The Guinta family extends many thanks for the support of the Louisiana Department of Family Services throughout the state and much appreciation to the Ochsner Cancer Team for their services.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Catherine Altar Society. Donations may be mailed to St. Catherine of Siena, 105 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005.
Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 at St. Catherine of Siena, 105 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005. Mass will follow visitation. After mass, a reception will take place at The Ridgeway of Old Metairie, 2431 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70001. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
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