Susan Hanckes Robert

Susan Kay Hanckes Robert, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at her home on Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Kearny Quinn Robert, Jr., and three sons: Kearny Quinn Robert III (Kathleen), James Hanckes Robert (Stephanie), John Lloyd Girard Robert (Rebecca); seven grandchildren: Molly, Lizzie, Nina, Reese, James, John, and Catherine; her sisters Brenda Hanckes Wells and Elizabeth Hanckes Castle; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends. She is preceded in death by her father and mother Dr. Lloyd Joesph Hanckes and Gladys Fernandez Hanckes.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Susan was educated at Sacred Heart and McGhee School, attended Newcomb College where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, majored in Anthropology, and earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Her training as a reading specialist prepared her for a lengthy career including early years at St. Andrews and St. Charles Episcopal schools and participating in the original Head Start program. Susan impacted the lives of multiple generations over four decades as an educator, ultimately retiring from Isidore Newman School after 32 years of continuous service in Kindergarten there.

She enjoyed summers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in her youth and more recently spending time with her family and grandchildren in New Orleans. Casual bird watching, reading, (and as all students in the “Butterfly Class” knew) indulging a special love for butterflies were just a few of life’s wonders that she enjoyed. Her interest in paleontology from college also earned her an educational development grant to participate in a professional dinosaur excavation in Colorado.

She is fondly remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother, and a patient and understanding, life-long educator. Always seeking to find the best in each student, whether at school or at home, she made learning accessible, comfortable, and fun no matter the subject. She was always a tireless advocate for students who were struggling the most during their first experience with school.

Funeral services will be held at Lake Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday, January 14, with visitation beginning at 11:00AM and a Catholic mass at 12:30PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org).