DeAnne Marie Mondebello

DeAnne Marie Hennessey Mondebello, 55, of Round Rock, TX, formerly of Metairie, LA, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, surrounded by her family after a fearless battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Born in New Orleans, LA, DeAnne attended Grace King High School and went to college at Louisiana State University. During her years at LSU, DeAnne made lifelong memories and friendships. She worked as a Resident Assistant at the Blake, Acadian, and Graham dorms and could often be found at crawfish boils, football games, or enjoying a cold beer with friends. She was elected Mardi Gras Queen, served on the Homecoming Court and even tutored student-athletes including a young Shaquille O’Neal. Despite her busy social life, DeAnne balanced fun and academics with ease, earning her a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with Honors (1988-1992). Her intelligence, drive, and charm made her stand out both in and out of the classroom.

It was at LSU that DeAnne met her future husband, Phil, through her brother Jay. Jay brought Phil home for Mardi Gras one year. Before going out, DeAnne approached Phil to open her beer because she had beautiful fake nails. After she went to him the fourth time, Phil finally got the hint that she was flirting with him. Those few encounters led to a first date which eventually led to 30+ years of a beautiful marriage, and DeAnne’s favorite accomplishments, their 3 children.

After college, DeAnne and Phil moved to Austin, TX, where she served as Front Desk Manager for the Radisson Hotel in downtown Austin and later moved to the Four-Season Hotel as the Director of Revenue. Her leadership and charisma brought her into contact with many well-known figures, including Matthew McConaughey and Laura Bush. Even after stepping away from hospitality to become a full-time mom, DeAnne remained close to many of her colleagues and friends.

DeAnne was truly a stranger to no one and a friend to everyone. She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people, whether through her humor, stories, or heartfelt advice. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives, attending every school event, game, and milestone with unwavering enthusiasm.

DeAnne never let her diagnosis define her. She refused to be “the woman with cancer” and instead chose to live fully, laugh often and spread joy wherever she went. She loved the water whether it was Pensacola Beach, Lake Travis, or the pool in her backyard. She always had on a big hat, sunglasses, and either a piña colada or an ice-cold beer in hand.

She was also fiercely competitive when it came to games including Catan, Nerts, Rummy, Uno, or Go Fish. DeAnne was usually the one winning and loved every minute of it. Her radiant smile was truly infectious, unchanged from her high school days through her 55th birthday.

Though she made Texas her home, DeAnne’s Cajun roots remained strong. She proudly cheered for her LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints, even during the “paper bag” years. DeAnne never missed a good crawfish, crab, or shrimp boil. For her, those moments were never just about the food, but about the laughter and connection that came with them.

DeAnne’s willingness to help others, ability to talk to anyone and love for life and her family can never be replaced. We will celebrate your life until we see you again.

Love You More!

DeAnne is survived by her devoted husband, Phillip Mondebello Jr., and their three children: Phillip Evan, Madeline Grace, and Nicholas John Mondebello. She is also survived by her mother Darlene Hennessey Walters; brothers Jay Frederick Hennessey, John William Hennessey II, and Ross Anthony Hennessey; and countless friends and extended family who loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her father John William Hennessey, and grandparents James Hennessey Sr., Burnadette “Queenie” Dufrene Hennessey, Frederick William Brown Jr., and Lois Morganie Brown-Leland.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX, with funeral and burial services following on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

A celebration of life will take place at the same venue 10:00 am on November 8, 2025.