Shirley Mahler Kleinpeter

Shirley Mahler Kleinpeter peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 23, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late George C. Kleinpeter, Jr. for over 60 years. Daughter of the late John J.B. Mahler and Henrietta Bauman Mahler. Devoted mother of Christi Lynn Kleinpeter Giardina (John W. “Bill” Giardina, Jr.), Karen Kleinpeter Trovato (James Derek Trovato), and Katherine Kleinpeter Raymond, Ph.D. (Sidney “Beau” Raymond, M.D.). Grandmother of Megan Elise Giardina, Adam Charles Cerise, M.D. (Maggie), Kelly Giardina Johnson, Pharm.D. (Shelby), Sydney Caroline Raymond, Charlotte Elizabeth Raymond, and Mary Katherine Grace Raymond. Great Grandmother of Wyatt Charles Johnson, Clara Mendia Cerise, Millie Elizabeth Johnson, Theodore Michael Cerise, and Thérèse Rose Cerise. Sister of the late Barbara Mahler Hamm (late Kennedy G. Hamm) and Aunt Shirley/Nan to many.

Shirley was known for her commitment to her faith and her family, and for generously sharing her beautiful smile.

She was an integral part of her Gretna community as a member of the Gretna Historical Society, Gretna German Society, and a former maid in Grela. Shirley was a proud member of the Gretna High School class of 1955, and enjoyed her friendships formed there for over 65 years. She relished lunches and parties with her high school friends, and energetically helped coordinate many class reunions.

Her devotion to her three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was exhibited through years as a Girl Scout leader, participation in countless school fairs, her roles as Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School volunteer, and as the family’s vacation planner.

As a graduate of Soule Business College and a former employee of Tulane University, Shirley encouraged the importance of education for her children and grandchildren. She supported her husband and three daughters in receiving Tulane degrees and was an avid Tulane football fan and ticket holder for over 50 years, including attending the 2023 Cotton Bowl.

She is remembered for her passion for travel and the world which she opened to and shared with her family, as she explored over 30 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Shirley inspired many with her zest for life, expressed through Mardi Gras gatherings, New Year’s Eve parties, and celebrations of life and joy, dancing with George through it all.

Donations in her memory may be made to any of the organizations about which she was passionate: St. John Lutheran Church, St. John Lutheran School, Dominican High School Grandparents Fund, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, Lutheran High School, and Delgado Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. John Lutheran Church, 3937 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be at 11:00AM. Interment in Hook and Ladder Cemetery, Gretna, Louisiana.