Mary R. Leininger

Native New Orleanian Mary Rosalie Lombardo Leininger died peacefully at home Thursday, January 8, 2015, surrounded by loving family after a long, brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Leininger was 83. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Leo, daughter Catherine Bitner and brother Anthony Lombardo. She is survived by her daughter Josephine “JoAnn” Ann Leininger, son Charles Leininger & partner Dr. Chip Tipton and son-in-law David Bitner. Her siblings: brother Henry Hagman and sister Ann Harding. Her granddaughters: Mary Rose Bitner & fiancé Jay Pedesclaux Jr, Amanda Lee & husband Justin Lee and Katie Judge & wife Victoria Judge and her great-granddaughters Olivia, Charlotte and Claire as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

The family extends deepest thanks to all of Mrs. Leininger’s caregivers.

Mrs. Leininger co-founded Katie’s Restaurant in 1984 and operated it as a family restaurant for many years. She was a wonderful cook and loved to share her recipes with family and friends. Throughout the years Mrs. Leininger hosted St. Joseph Altars both large and small, raising money for various charities.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A Memorial Visitation will be Friday, January 16th, 2015 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Ponchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA. Memorial Mass will start at Noon. Interment will be at a later date.