Myrtle Franichevich Mary

Myrtle Mary Franichevich Mary entered eternal rest on January 12, 2013. She was born on September 3, 1914 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Margaret Barbara Fleckinger and restaurateur, Matthew Anthony Franichevich. She grew up in New Orleans with her sisters, Marian, Mae Belle and Melvina and graduated from McDonough High School.

Myrtle married Dr. Charles Callan Mary on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, 1934, and they had two children, Charles, Jr. and Charlene. Throughout the years, she was active in Catholic lay affairs at the Churches of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Patrick, St. Stephen and St. John the Baptist, as well as a dedicated supporter in the establishment of De La Salle High School. Myrtle also was a steadfast fundraiser for the Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund.

In addition to her family, Myrtle’s passions included music, theater, design and Carnival. She was a charter member and later Captain for many years of the Krewe of Niobeans, an all female Carnival organization established in the 1940’s. As an accomplished, self-taught seamstress, she was renowned for custom designing all of Niobeans’ detailed costumes, and Myrtle created her own studio on the third floor of her home where she routinely worked year-round with teams to craft legendary creations.

Additionally, behind the scenes, Myrtle was the driving creative and artistic force of the Knights of Babylon Parade and Bal Masque for almost 50 years. With her husband Dr. Mary, a founding Babylon member and longtime Captain, Myrtle worked tirelessly on theme development and they traveled to New York City annually for costumes, props and inspiration, and once even to the Far East. The depth of her research, knowledge, planning and execution was unrivaled. A strict Carnival traditionalist, Myrtle continued on for many years providing support and guidance to successive Captains of Babylon and those of other Carnival organizations. In a fitting tribute to her contributions, Myrtle was honored to reign as Queen of the Lambeth House Carnival presentation in 2012.

While Myrtle was also known as a great hostess, impeccable dresser, master of etiquette and protocol and a collector of fine antiques, she was affectionately “Mimi” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. With love, quick wit and sound advice, she relished her later years as matriarch of the family. Until the time of her death at 98 years old, her mind was as sharp as ever and she departed this life with her family and friends by her side.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters and her husband, to whom she was married for 54 loving and fulfilling years.

Myrtle is survived by her two children, Charles Callan Mary, Jr., M.D. (Lynn) and Charlene Mary Sinclair; ten grandchildren: Charles Callan Mary, III, M.D. (Kelly), Brandon Edward Mary, Charlotte Mary Zink (Ben), Cameron Matthew Mary (Randi), Mignonne Mary Hammel, M.D. (Doug), Daniel Stirling Sinclair, Jr., Callan Edward Sinclair, Diane Sinclair Smith, M.D. (Randy), Cayman Charles Sinclair and Carra Adelea Sinclair; twenty-four great grandchildren: Charles Callan Mary, IV, Campbell Wayne Mary, Madison Alexander Mary, Amelia Rive Mary, Alexandra Sofia Mary, Mila Schon Mary, Delainey DeRenville Mary, Avery Evelyn Zink, Callan Harold Zink, Cameron Matthew Mary, Jr., Hadley Elizabeth Mary, Lynn Mary Hammel, Eleanore Reese Hammel, Charlotte Johanna Hammel, Daniel Stirling Sinclair III, Matthew Brenton Sinclair, Meghan Elise Sinclair, Cailla Renee Sinclair, Joshua Adams Sinclair, Caden Edward Sinclair, Nathaniel Stirling Wallace, Margaret Sinclair Smith, Charles Cole Sinclair, Caylan Daniel Sinclair; and three great-great grandchildren: Strauss Murray Sinclair, Maya Parker Sinclair and Hendrix Lewis Carpenter.

Myrtle was a devoted child, sister, wife, mother and friend, and a faithful Catholic. Those who knew her were better for it, and our tears now are for ourselves. While she will be missed deeply, Myrtle will be ever present in the lives she created, nurtured, comforted and touched.

We smile knowing Myrtle’s soul rests forever peacefully with God and the souls of the faithfully departed, especially her beloved Charles.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Mass. Visitation will be at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. New Orleans on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. followed by the Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Church, 724 Camp St., New Orleans at 1:00 P.M. Interment will be at Hope Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to Center of Jesus the Lord, 1236 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, preferred. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.

Thanks,