On July 16, 2018, Iris Wendling “Granny/Irie” Savoie, at the age of 82 years young, danced her way to Heaven and into the arms of the Lord. She was the loving wife of Douglas “Paw Doug/Tubby” Doyle Savoie, and was formerly married to the late John Earl “Paw Paw” Wendling. Devoted mother of Beth Wood, Joan Trahan (Victor), Jean Peterson (Billy) and Anne Marie Nunez (Noon/Gerald). Step-mother of Wanda Munch (Keith), Toby Savoie (Dave Kalchik) and Douglas Savoie (Denise). Grandmother of Rochelle McLaughlin (Mike), Mandi Peterson, Tiffany Babin (Brady), Jess Wood, Jr. (Lacie), Tonya Barcellona (Walter, Jr.), Ricky Colletti, Jr., (Tabitha), Ricky Peterson, Jr. and Paul Hammers. Step-grandmother of Jason Munch (Jennifer). Great-grandmother of Kaylee McLaughlin, Caleb Meyers, Bradyn Peterson, Jess Wood III, Walter “Trey” Barcellona, III, Logan Barcellona, Avery Barcellona, Bennett Babin, Blaire Babin and Abel Colletti. Step-great-greatgrandmother of Jonah Munch. Sister of Ridley Boudreaux, Jr., Judy Prats, Mike Boudreaux, Kathy Piazza and the late Richie Boudreaux. She also leaves behind her dear brothers and sisters in law. She was preceded in death by her father, Ridley Joseph Boudreaux, Sr., and her mother Pauline Marie Barrouquere Boudreaux, as well as her mothers-in-law, Louise Wendling Gorney and Rose Marcombe Savoie. Iris also has numerous nieces, nephews and an abundance of dear friends whom will miss her tremendously.
Iris graduated from T. J. Simms Elementary and from F. T. Nichols High. She was on the Reunion Committee with several friends, whom she kept in touch with over the years. She loved playing all sports, but capped a remarkable track career and was named “Best Girl Athlete” of the year, in 1950. She was also a cheerleader at F. T. Nichols High.
Shortly after graduating High School, she married her first husband, John Earl Wendling. Together they have four daughters. They were in several clubs together, including the Gladiators Carnival Krewe and A Cootie Club, etc. She was a stay at home mom until her girls started school, later working at The New Orleans Parish School System as a secretary. She then joined a group of outstanding attorneys from St. Bernard as their legal secretary, and worked briefly as a secretary at the University of New Orleans. She became a social worker for the Office of Family Services, before retiring. After her first husband joined the Lord in Heaven, she spent five memorable years with her family. She began going out to dance clubs where she met her second husband, Douglas Savoie. They enjoyed dancing together, and it was a pleasure watching them glide across the dance floor. After two years of dating, they became husband and wife. One of their favorite spots to dance was “The Pope Launch,” where her friends were like family. Iris was never happier than when spending time with her family at Seafood Boils and Pot Luck Holiday get-togethers. (We will certainly miss her oyster stuffing.) She also loved reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Iris was loved by anyone who was blessed enough to share in her life. She will be eternally missed by far too many people to list. We love you mom, and you’ll forever be in our hearts and souls.
A gathering of friends and loved ones will be held in honor of Iris at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. VIRTUE STREET, in Chalmette, on Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service in her honor at 1:00 PM. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.
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