Mary "Mae" LaBruzzo Friedman

Born in New Orleans, Mary was the daughter of John LaBruzzo and Lillian Lopresto LaBruzzo, who immigrated from Italy over a century ago. She was one of five children, alongside her siblings Sara, Louis, Gloria, and John, all of whom preceded her in death. Mary remained deeply devoted to her family throughout her life.

A trailblazer in her professional career, Mary worked for Hibernia Bank in New Orleans for 27 years, rising to the position of General Manager—one of the first women to hold such a role in the city’s banking industry. She also served as Chair of the Women’s Committee of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, helping pave the way for future generations of women in finance.

Mary married Gene Friedman, a successful attorney with his own law firm. She later worked alongside her husband for 21 years at his firm before he preceded her in death in 1998.

A true New Orleanian and proud Italian American, Nanan was known as much for her warmth as for her cooking. She took after her mother in the kitchen and was especially famous among family and friends for her handmade meatballs, which became the stuff of legend at gatherings. She loved good food, family time, and the traditions that bound them together.

Though she had no children of her own, Nanan was deeply and devotedly loved by her nieces and nephews (and their spouses): Lisa Newell Schuler (Malcolm), Robert Newell (Diana); Cindy LaBruzzo Baggett and Gail LaBruzzo LaVie (Jay); Dian Kluchin Roussell (Pete), Dawn Kluchin Miller (Randy), Paula Kluchin Keene (Danny), and Joey Kluchin Cullotta; and Jon-Paul LaBruzzo (Victoria), Christopher LaBruzzo (Robin), and Layne LaBruzzo Pepin (Michael), all of whom cherished her guidance, humor, and unconditional love. Once, while visiting a doctor, she said she had eleven children—and in her heart, she truly did. She claimed every one of her nieces and nephews as her own and loved them without condition. Nanan was also blessed by the love of 23 great-nieces and nephews and 20 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Mae professed her faith in Jesus Christ and lived that faith quietly and sincerely—through kindness, humility, forgiveness, and service to others. She saw the good in everyone and was always generous, showing by her life what it means to love as Christ loves—steadfastly, gently, and without expectation.

Mary “Mae” Friedman leaves behind a legacy of strength, elegance, generosity, and family devotion. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered always.

A visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, on February 6, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Memorial Mass will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. Mary will be laid to rest in Lake Lawn Park.

In lieu of flowers, masses are prefered or a donation to a charity of your choice.