Joan Walet Hartson

Joan Denechaud Walet Hartson, (known as Mama Joanie), was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, born to Rosemary Denechaud Walet and Charles Taylor Walet on August 25, 1937. She went to Heaven on April 3, 2020.

Mama Joanie was the greatest mother, wife and friend. Her generosity was apparent to all who came in contact with her and her enthusiasm for life was contagious. She inspired people to live life to its fullest at all times. The gift of her joyous personality and her service to others made her a truly incredible individual. She had a remarkable faith that carried her through much happiness and sorrow. Her life revolved around daily mass, spending time with her family and doing for others.

She graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart and attended Barat College and Loyola University. She married Bubby Hartson and they had six daughters. She was President of the Junior League of New Orleans, President of the Sacred Heart Alumnae and received the Alumna of the Year Award in 1989. Mama Joanie was very involved in volunteering in the New Orleans community, benefitting St. Michael Special School, Academy of the Sacred Heart and many other charities. She was involved in numerous Carnival organizations and loved celebrating Mardi Gras with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Deacon Maurice John Hartson, III (Bubby) and her daughters Nancy Stafford Hartson and Katherine Walet Hartson.

She is survived by her daughters, Betsy Harmon (Jim), Holley Twyman (Matt), Joanie Mulkin (Jon) and Connie Winsberg (Michael); her 14 grandchildren: Taylor Flournoy, Mathilde Mulkin, Malise Flournoy Cotten (Carson), Pearce Mulkin, Matthew Winsberg, Hartson Harmon, Stuart Harmon, Stafford Winsberg, Isabelle Mulkin, Sam Harmon, Eliza Harmon, Caroline Flournoy, Meyer Winsberg and Mary Katherine Flournoy; her brothers Charles “Taylor” Walet, Jr. (Dede) and Taylor Robert Walet (Linda); and her sisters-in-law Liseanne Hartson Werlein and Sister Betsy Hartson, RSCJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Nancy Stafford Hartson Scholarship Fund at the Academy of Sacred Heart 4521 St. Charles Avenue 70115 or St. Michael Special School Memorial Fund 1522 Chippewa Street 70130.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com