Ardyn Sutherland Thriffiley

Ardyn Sutherland Thriffiley, 94, passed away peacefully at her New Orleans home on July 1, 2024, after a day surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Treadway Sutherland and Frederick Samuel Sutherland Jr., and her beloved husband, Paul J. Thriffiley Jr. Ardyn was born on September 21, 1929, in Alexandria, LA where she formed many lifelong friendships growing up. A member of “the Greatest Generation,” she was a Jr. Red Cross volunteer during WWII, collected scrap for the war effort, and her family rented a room to a U.S. Army serviceman stationed at nearby Ft. Polk (and his wife). She graduated from Providence Central High School in 1946, where she was voted “cutest.” Ardyn attended Louisiana State University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She became a stewardess for Eastern Airlines, flying out of New Orleans, before marrying Paul in May 1953. Ardyn and Paul had five children, Paul J. III, Peter (Jeannette), Elizabeth T. Phelan, of Beaumont, TX, Erin T. Weston (Robert), and Ardyn M., all of whom survive her. Following the 1965 death of her husband Paul, Ardyn devoted herself to lovingly raising their five children, instilling in them an appreciation of the wonder and beauty of life. She later worked part-time at several retail shops, including The Bombay Co., Bonelli of Florence, and Mac Maison. She drove a Chevrolet station wagon full of her children on many summer trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Destin, N. Carolina, Washington, D.C, Colorado, California, Mexico, and Texas. Ardyn was a lifelong devoted Catholic and a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in New Orleans, where her children attended grammar school. She participated in her children’s extracurricular activities, including Brownies and Boy Scouts. She served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years, ministering to the homebound, and devoted a regular hour in the church’s adoration chapel. She faithfully attended weekday mass at Loyola University’s Ignatius Chapel. Ardyn enjoyed riding her bicycle daily, through Tulane University, Audubon Park, uptown in general, and often to Mass, until her 86th year. She enjoyed playing her large upright piano, which she had since childhood. Ardyn also sewed many dresses and formal gowns for her three daughters, as well as for herself. In addition to her five children, “Gram” is survived by nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, Peter S. Thriffiley Jr. (Dylan - Thompson, Margot, Cooper, Amelia, Jackson), Michael Thriffiley (Rachael - Colin, Connor, William, Mary), Claire Thriffiley (Alan), Will Weston (Sarah – Walker, Henry), Elizabeth Weston George (Will – Weston), Maia Weston (Neal), Mickey Phelan IV (Sarah - Mollie), John Phelan (Caitlin - Lucy), and Kathryn Phelan. The family wishes to thank Cheri and Alyssa, with Interim Healthcare, who comforted Ardyn during her brief Home Hospice care. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ardyn’s life on July 9, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., and a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Metairie Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Holy Name of Jesus Church or School.