Melba Palmisano Richard

Melba Palmisano Richard transitioned peacefully at the age of 92, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by those she loved. She was born in Edinburg, Texas on December 19, 1933, and later moved to Jefferson, Louisiana, where she was raised.

She was the cornerstone of the family, the matriarch whose wisdom, love and warmth touched everyone she met. She was married to the love of her life, Laurey (Larry) Joseph Richard, who preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by her four children, Larry Richard (Benedicte), Mickey Richard (Cheryl), Lori Yeo (Chet) and Diane Sclafani (Scott), seven grandchildren Michelle Goff (Tyler), Rachael Richard, Shannon Ogbonna (Michael), Garrett Yeo (Taylor), Julien Richard, Chelsea Yeo and Sydney Sclafani and four great-grandchildren, Landon, Micah, Graham and Davis Goff. She is preceded by her parents Joseph and Cloteel Palmisano, brother Vernon Palmisano, and sister Imogene (Jeannie) Menendez. She and her siblings were raised by her paternal grandparents, Salvadore Palmisano and Rosie Grego Palmisano, better known as "Nonnie".

She attended St. Agnes Elementary School and was a graduate of Jefferson High School. She especially loved playing volleyball and made the varsity team as a freshman. Melba worked as a Teacher's Aide in the Jefferson Parish School System for over twenty years. But what made her especially happy was her love for children, especially her grandchildren, who lit up her world. She was always there for them, without a moment's hesitation. They referred to her as "Maw-Maw", which was literally music to her ears!!

The family would like to thank everyone who tended to her, in their thoughts and prayers. Our deep appreciation goes to her caregivers, especially Ana Dardis, Veronica Brown, Jenny Delgado, Denise Holmes, Beatrice Webb, Melvina Jones, Sally Melito, Lynn Hines and Lisa DeLatte. Special thanks to Sue Deister, Homebound Eucharistic Minister from St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church. A special thank you to the caring staff, nurses Alexis Magazine and Moneka Hambrick of Hospice of Louisiana along with social worker Ally Bullach, CNA Valencia White and Chaplain Craig Cashio who lovingly cared for her needs.

Please join the family to celebrate Melba's life as part of a Funeral Mass which will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at noon at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Lake Lawn Mausoleum in New Orleans. The family also invites all to a gathering at Melba's home afterwards.