Katherine "Kay" Diet Currier

Katherine, “Kay” Diet Currier died peacefully in her sleep on October 19, 2026, 5 days shy of her 99th birthday. She was born in New Orleans on October 24, 1927, to Emma Chedville Diet and Ernest Jules Diet and was the beloved baby sister to Ernest Jules Diet, Jr and Beatrice Diet Eversmyer. Kay grew up on Carolton Ave, went to local schools in New Orleans and LSU Music School in Baton Rouge, where she was studying to become an opera singer. She worked briefly as a fashion model. Her university career was cut short by a medical misdiagnosis; however, it was shortly after her return to New Orleans that she met her future husband, the young medical student, Mortimer Currier. They were married at Mater Dolorosa Church and were happily married for 69 years. After Mortimer’s service as a Naval Medical Officer during the Korean War, stationed in San Diego, they settled in Plaquemine, Louisiana where Mortimer established a private medical practice. Kay was reluctant to leave New Orleans; however, she thrived in Plaquemine with her many close friends, five boisterous children and civic, creative and social activities. She was a founding member of the Plaquemine Service League and Plaquemine Garden Club. She held every office in the 5th District Medical Auxiliary. She was a member of Les Etudiants study club and the Krewe de Roi in Plaquemine. She was of cheerful disposition, a smart dresser, an avid reader, ace bargain hunter and an antique dealer (for a short period). Kay did intricate needlepoint and beautiful jewelry. Together, Katherine and Mortimer were active in St John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine, St Joseph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Country Club and regular attendees of Classical music concerts. They travelled widely and were devoted to their grandchildren and many friends. After Mortimer’s death in 2017, Katherine’s spirits were dimmed, but her face still naturally fell into a smile. She will be missed.

She is predeceased by her sons John and Bradford and survived by her children, Mark (Jenise), Douglas (Ann), Lionel (Dana) and Elizabeth; daughter-in-law, Sandy; 9 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29 at Mater Dolorosa Church, 1230 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, with visitation from 10am until the mass at 11am. Burial will follow at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers please donate to her favorite charity, The Smile Train.