Ms. Kathleen "Kathy" Elizabeth Turlich

Born to Mildred Dellsperger Turlich and Shafton Turlich, Kathleen grew up in Jefferson, Louisiana. She was a proud member of the National Honor Society at Riverdale High School, where she graduated 10th in a class of 600 students. After high school, she married and devoted herself to raising her family. Following her divorce, she returned to school and graduated with honors from the University of New Orleans with a degree in General Studies. Kathleen later retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she dedicated many years.

Kathleen was the beloved mother of the late Michelle Elizabeth Dauser Russell-McGee (Bobby McGee) and Denise Marie Dauser Cortez-Andrews (Robert Andrews). She was the loving grandmother to Jove Mitchel Cortez (Kiersten Bradley), Brittany Marie Russell, and Caitlin Michelle Cortez; and a proud great-grandmother to Madilynn Elaina Cortez, Avery Marie Nemeth, Ellie Marie Cortez, Ayden Mitchell Nemeth, and her soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Caroline Lou Cortez, due in February.

She was the sister of the late Linda Turlich Norton (Calvin V. Norton), godmother to Lisa Norton Fascio (Anthony Fascio), great-aunt to Dominic Fascio, and cousin to Steven Hirstius, whom she felt was the son she never had.

In retirement, Kathleen enjoyed her freedom to travel, play cards with her cousins, and share meals with friends. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved a good game of Scrabble, going dancing, and was a lifelong advocate for women’s rights.

Kathleen will be remembered for her intelligence, strength, sense of humor, and the deep love she held for her family. She will be dearly missed by her family and long list of friends.

A Visitation for Kathy will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana 70006. Following the visitation will be a memorial service from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM in the Leitz-Eagan Chapel. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathleen’s memory to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.