Catherine Nicolosi Lay

On Friday, October 9, 2026, Catherine Nicolosi Lay passed away peacefully in her sleep at 5:15 am at the age of 101 years old. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick Albert Lay, Jr., loving mother of Fred Michael Lay (Claudette Cassou Lay) and Alan Gerald Lay (Karen Herndon Lay)

Catherine (Kay) was born in New Orleans, LA on August 6, 1925. She is the second of four children of the late Elma Schayot Nicolosi and Angelo Joseph Nicolosi, Sr., sister of the late Saverio Joseph “SJ” Nicolosi, Sydonia Nicolosi Hampton and Angelo Joseph Nicolosi, Jr., proud grandmother of Ryan Barrett Lay (Jill Yelles Lay), Aaron Brandon Lay (Meghan “Han” Russell Lay) and Rachel Lay Hagstette (Barrett Hagstette), Great grandmother of Hunter Lay, Declan and Adler Hagstette and Louis and Magnolia Lay.

Catherine (Kay) was a lifelong homemaker caring passionately for her children, mother-in-law and husband.

She had a deep devotion to her catholic faith and especially to Mary. In her later years she spent most of her days watching Mass on EWTN and praying the rosary. The last words she said while on this earth were “I love you, Jesus. Amen.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, located at 106 Bonnabel Boulevard in Metairie on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 10 am to 11:30 am. A funeral mass will follow. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Catherine (Kay) Lay, please consider St. Catherine of Siena Church at stcatherineparish.com/memorial or EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization at www.EWTN.com