Anna Tortorich Medo

Anna Tortorich Medo passed away quietly at home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, just shy of her 102nd birthday. She was born on March 11, 1923, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is survived by her five children: Steven O. Medo, Jr. (Kathy), Karen M. Oertling (Lawrence), Margaret M. Babin (Wilbur), David J. Medo, and Elizabeth M. Ricci (Rick), 10 grandchildren: Anne M. Ready (Davis), Steven O Medo, III, (Jennifer), Ryan S. Medo (Frannie), Megan B. Medo, Wesley T. Cardwell (Katherine), Katherine C. Davis (Matt), Joseph M. Cardwell (Allison), James L. Oertling (Emily), Andrew P. Oertling, Benjamin M. Oertling (Erin), and 21 great-grandchildren. Anna is also survived by her niece Lorraine Bannon Duncan and nephew John A. Bannon, Jr. (Margaret) and their children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years Steven Otto Medo and her daughter Marion M. Cardwell (Terrance), her parents Marion A. Tortorich and Loretta DiMaggio Tortorich, and her sister, Marie Tortorich Bannon.

Anna attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from Loyola University in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in an age where women were not common in the sciences. She worked at Southern Regional Research Laboratories during WWII researching alternative sources of rubber in a time of war shortage.

Anna married the love of her life Steven Medo of Niles, Michigan on May 14,1944, with whom she shared a large and loving family. She enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a volunteer at the Vatican pavilion at the 1984 World’s Fair and the Old Ursuline Convent. She enjoyed playing bridge with her lifelong friends every Monday and she was happiest when her entire family gathered for Sunday dinner.

In March 2023, family and friends celebrated Anna’s 100th birthday in grand fashion where she was recognized by Proclamation from the New Orleans City Council.

Anna was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted great-grandmother. She was kind and caring to all.

She will be greatly missed. The last years of her life were very special to her thanks to the care provided by her loving and devoted son, David. A very special thanks to Veronica Brown for her kindness and dedication in helping to care for Anna. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Donations in memory of Anna may be sent to Magnolia Community Services, 100 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121.