Brenda Kay Chetta

Brenda Kay Chetta, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2026. She was born on December 5, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the first daughter of Anthony (Tony) and Jessie Chetta. Six years later, on December 20, 1947, she welcomed her beloved sister, Vicki—a long-awaited Christmas wish come true.

Brenda began her education in 1947 at St. Dominic School and Church in Lakeview and remained devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life. Inspired by a lifelong passion for caring for others, she pursued a career in medicine. She earned her nursing degree from Charity Hospital School of Nursing, followed by a diploma in Nurse Anesthesia from Charity Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia, and later obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Holy Cross College.

In 1964, Brenda began her professional career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Montelepre Hospital in New Orleans. Her work ethic, compassion, and skill earned her the deep respect and friendship of colleagues throughout her more than 30-year career. Brenda retired from Lakeside Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana, leaving behind an enduring legacy of dedication and care.

Brenda’s generosity extended far beyond her medical career. She held a lifelong love for animals, volunteering with the Visiting Pets program in Kenner alongside her therapy dog, Andy. Together, they visited convalescent homes and the TSA program at Louis Armstrong Airport. Brenda rescued countless dogs over the years—often more than one at a time—and cared for them through their entire lives.

Her faith and community were central to her heart. She was an active member of the Ladies Altar Society at Divine Mercy Church in Kenner, where she took special joy in decorating the church for holidays and helping organize fundraisers. She also cherished her time volunteering with the Leading Ladies Guild and the Red Hat Society.

Brenda loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new cultures and places with family and friends. Her adventures took her across Europe, the British Isles, South America, Mexico, parts of Asia, and throughout the United States. She often returned home with treasured art pieces that reflected her experiences. A true New Orleanian, Brenda also loved Mardi Gras and was honored to serve as Queen of the Krewe of Aquila twice, as well as a Maid and Riding Lieutenant—memories she cherished deeply.

To Brenda, friendship was one of life’s greatest gifts. Her high school sorority sisters from Pi Epsilon Pi remained close throughout the years, continuing their monthly lunches well into retirement. Her anesthesia school roommates, Martha and Margo, and dear friends Karen, Connie, Beth, and Donner were constant sources of laughter, adventure, and companionship.

Brenda is survived by her sister, Vicki Mazzei (Reese Davies); nephew, Christopher Mazzei (Erin Mazzei); grand-nephews, Luca and Nico Mazzei; and cousins Maria Kay Chetta, Jenny Sorenson (Todd), and Dolores Jenkins (Carl Wayne), Joan Jenkins (Mike), Pat Hyland, Keith Alford (Karen), Marian Alford. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Cornerstone Care for their compassionate service, especially caregivers Faith and Robin, and to Dan for his continued kindness and support.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, on May 1, 2026, visitation beginning at 11:30 am and Mass at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Visiting Pets, Kenner, LA, SPCA or SpayMart.

To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com