Marcella Vath Forestier Strecker

Marcella Catherine Vath Forestier Strecker is finally home with her Lord as of Tuesday, February 10, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1928, to the late Florence Mary Dunn Vath and the late Joseph August Vath. She was the wife of the late Frank J. Forestier, Jr. and the late Louis Strecker, Sr.

Marcella was preceded in death by all 12 of her siblings and their spouses: Valerie Vath Benson (Robbie), Joseph Vath, Ursula Vath Bindewald (Joseph), Florence Vath Bothman (Johnny), Raymond Vath (Elmira), Anna Vath, Dorothy Vath Boyd (John), Most Rev. Joseph G. Vath, John Vath (Aimee), George Vath (Betty), Robert Vath (Jeanne) and Teresa Vath Bourgeois (Lloyd). She was also preceded in death by her son, Larry Forestier; her son-in-law, Jerry Guidry; her grandson, Kristian Guidry, and stepson, Louis Strecker, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Frank J. Forestier, (Barbara), Susan Guidry and Rebecca Mason (David); three grandchildren, Gerard R. Guidry, Jr., Mary Katherine Mason Wright (Will), and James Mason in addition to three great-grandchildren, Grayson Guidry, Parker Guidry and Tassi Wright.

She is also survived by two stepsons, Tommy Strecker (Vicki) and Greg Strecker (Kristi); step-granddaughters, Melissa Scheuermann (Dr. Rob), Amy Strecker, and Ashley Strecker (Daniel Guzman); and three step great-grandchildren, Brittany Wilson, Sophie Guzman and Parrish Scheuermann. As the baby of 13 and the final matriarch of the family, she is survived by multiple generations of nieces and nephews also.

As an active and one of the founding members of St. Louis King of France Parish since 1953, Marcella faithfully served the parish in many ways throughout her life. She was involved in the Mother’s Club, worked the parish fair, served for many years as parish secretary, and later as a Eucharistic Minister. In recognition of her dedication and service, she was honored as a recipient of the Archdiocesan St. Louis Cathedral award. She also volunteered her time to work with Fr. Harold F. Cohen, SJ at Closer Walk ministries.

As important as family was to her, even they came second to her faith. She cherished attending daily Mass for most of her life, and when her brother invited her to visit Rome, she was blessed with the unforgettable opportunity to shake hands with Pope John Paul II, who would later be canonized as a saint before the end of her own life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to CARE Associates Hospice and the devoted staff of Serenity Meadowdale Nursing Home for the compassionate and loving care they provided to our mother during these past few years. A special thanks to Serenity’s Lucy and Ashley for loving “Cella Bella” as if she were their own.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Christopher the Martyr Church, 3900 Derbigny St. in Metairie, LA. 70001 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with the Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm. Marcella will be laid to rest in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider having Masses said, donating to your local food bank, donating to Notre Dame Seminary or to St. Benedict Abbey.

Fond memories or condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.