Gladys Shelley

She was born “Gladys” in 1926, but her beloved mother – Velma Rials – started calling her “Star Baby” so her lifelong name became “Starr.” She grew up near Coliseum Square, playing with Earline Cooper – her best friend of 80 years. They started a club where neighborhood teens danced. Starr was one of the best, especially when it was a Glenn Miller record.

When WWII broke out, Starr contributed to the war effort by becoming a welder at Todd Johnson Shipyards but her favorite job was driving a streetcar "until she had a wreck with a car – not an easy thing to do!" When the boys returned home, she married another snappy dancer from the old club – Henry Shelley-- a Marine who fought with distinction in four major Pacific invasions, notably Saipan and Iwo Jima.

Shortly after their only daughter Angela “Angel” as born, Starr was diagnosed with then-incurable tuberculosis. She defied the odds and lived. After being cured for 10 years, she yearned to have another child. The doctor ok’d “just one.” She obeyed orders by having 4 sons – Steve, Chris and twins Scott and Nick.

She was one of the first “older women” to attend college at U.N.O and Loyola University. She was an avid reader and an admired, dedicated teacher at Bessie Hiern and Kehoe Academies. She even started her own private school for a time. But her lasting legacy remains her family, sister Anne Summers, all 5 children and spouses: Will, Sue, Charlotte, Kelly and Shelley, grandson Randall Heer who was more like her fifth son and 6 other grandchildren, Brooke, Ryan, Brittny, Kacy, Evan, and Samantha, plus 2 great-grandchildren.

She was unfailingly loving, giving and kind, but she wouldn’t tolerate unjust criticism of her family, cherished city or The Saints. Starr Shelley was a great lady who personifies "The Greatest Generation". Although she will be missed forever, she lives through her indomitable love. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the Drew Brees Dream Foundation would be appreciated.