Mattia “Marti” Blasco Didier, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully, holding the hands of her daughters, on Saturday, July 22, 2023, one day after her 84th birthday. She was also a beloved wife to her wonderful husband, and the love of her life, who left this world just months ago. Marti is survived by her three loving children, son, Bernard L. Malone III, daughter, Cindy Malone Hunt (Jerry), and daughter, Elizabeth Malone Troia (Carl); eight grandchildren, Carl Jr., Timothy, Rose, Sophia, Alexandra, Mary, Jacob, and Chloe; 14 great-grandchildren, soon-to-be 15; two sisters, Catherine Blasco Gueho and Mary Blasco Nola (Mike); and many loving extended family members. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Ricord “Hoot” Didier, Sr.; son, Michael David Malone; parents, Santo Blasco and Rose Graphia Blasco; brother, James Blasco; daughter-in-law, Brenda C. Malone; godchild, Jeff Nola; and first husband and father of her children, Bernard L. Malone, Jr. Following a recent and unexpected diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she spent her final days surrounded by family. Marti was an excellent cook and took great joy in hosting family gatherings. She enjoyed cooking homemade Italian recipes handed down from her family. She loved being called “Granny” and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marti was a devout Catholic and was honored to be part of the legacy of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, founded by her late uncle and first pastor, Monsignor Dominic Blasco. She attended elementary school at Sacred Heart and graduated from St. Anthony of Padua High School in 1957. Marti retired as a Realtor from Keller Williams Realty Redstick Partners in 2023. During her 45 years as a Realtor, she continued her professional education and earned designations, GRI, ABR, PMN, and SRES. She was acknowledged for many valuable contributions, including Million Dollar Agent 2012 and 2015, The Legacy Award 2018, Humanitarian of the Year 2000, Most Cooperative Realtor 2003, and Realtor of the Year 2010. Marti was especially honored to receive the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 presented by Keller Williams Realty Redstick Partners for her immense contributions and commitment to real estate. She was a dedicated leader of Women’s Council of Realtors, and she received the Member of the Year Award 2009. In addition to a myriad of professional accomplishments, Marti devoted much of her life to serving those in need through her own personal endeavors. In her younger years, she organized a group of volunteers to teach swimming lessons and water safety to mentally handicapped citizens. In 1969 she founded the Roadrunners, an organization that provided social, recreational, and travel opportunities for mentally handicapped adults for more than 30 years. Marti was an influential leader of Altrusa International of Baton Rouge for 50 years, where she served on a multitude of projects aimed at making communities better, focusing on literacy, service, and fundraising. Her dedication to serve was immeasurable. Her generosity and passion for assisting others earned her the most prestigious award given in the Greater Baton Rouge area, The Golden Deeds Award 1998. Marti will be remembered for a lifetime of philanthropy, her selfless acts of charity, and her passion for helping those in need. Visitation will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 9:30 am until a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Carl G. Troia, Jr., Timothy Hunt, Jacob Hunt, James Wohlert, and Paul Nola. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church; Jeff Nola ’94 Scholarship Fund, c/o Catholic High School, P.O. Box 65004, Baton Rouge, LA 70896, and Altrusa of Baton Rouge Foundation, Inc., 16246 Shenandoah Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70817.
