Olga Bandi Riegel

Olga was born on Christmas Day, 1944 and was a gift and a joy to her dear parents, Olga Parlongue Bandi and Nicholas J. Bandi, who cherished their only child and taught her to share the gift of her being by always thinking first of the other and leaving no one behind. “Bring a friend Bandi” became her nickname early on and in the decades that followed, Olga lived up to that sobriquet, forging deep and abiding friendships with many from diverse cultures and countries and welcoming them all to her sweet home for delicious home-cooked meals, warmth, laughter and stimulating conversation.

Never without her trademark sunglasses, Olga embraced life and the rich culture of her native New Orleans. She loved the city’s Dixieland Jazz, R&B, festivals and neighborhood restaurants and celebrated life as only true New Orleanians know how--not just at Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest but every day of the year. She was zany and funny and made many laugh.

Olga attended Holy Name of Jesus School and graduated from Mercy Academy in 1962. She attended LSU from 1962-1966, where she was a proud member of Chi Omega sorority, and made many lifelong friends. She delighted raising her three daughters and was an active volunteer at their school, Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she served as Mother’s Club President. She was a member of St. Rita’s Parish and several other religious, social and civic organizations throughout her adult life.

She was thrilled to become a Nana while still in her 50s and spent many years playing an active role in the lives and care of her seven grandchildren, who loved her dearly and benefited from her wisdom and generosity.

She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Philip R. Riegel; her daughters, Stephanie Riegel (Gregory Woolverton), Tracey Koch (David), and Kristen Riegel (Jeff Thacher); seven grandchildren, Allison Woolverton, Madeleine Heyob (Ben), Michael Woolverton, Jon David Koch, Maggie Koch, Sarah Hook and Christopher Hook; and great-granddaughter Catherine Heyob.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers and helpers, whose compassion and attention made her final months more comfortable: Santa Gamez, Raquel White, Kyla Alexander and Terica Washington.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline St., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. A graveside service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.