Chepita "Mimi" DiNicola

Chepita Huezo DiNicola, lovingly known as "Mimi", entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 101. She was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and later made her home in New Orleans, where she spent most of her life surrounded by friends, family and a city she loved deeply.

A woman truly ahead of her time, Mimi pursued her passion for music at The Juilliard School in New York, where she studied as a concert pianist. During her years in New York, she also learned to fly - a reflection of her adventurous spirit. Music remained one of her great loves alongside her appreciation for travel and architecture, which brought her endless joy and inspiration. Guided by unwavering faith and a profound love for her family, she believed wholeheartedly in God's providence. Her signature pin "God is in control" became quite the ministry of its own. Shared freely with others as a symbol of prayer, reassurance, and hope.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael A. Huezo and Clementina Ibarra Huezo; her siblings, Rafael Huezo, Jr. and Clementina "MeMe" Huezo; her husband, Frank A. DiNicola, Sr.; her son, Enrico "Ricky" DiNicola; and her great grandson, Michael Kok. She was also preceded by many other beloved relatives and friends, who welcomed her home.

She is survived by her loving children, Frank A. DiNicola, Jr. (Christa), Helena Eubanks (Jamie), Loretta Marsicano (Tony), and Lucia McAnulty (Kevin); her thirteen grandchildren, Cynthia, Michael, Cristirose, Zachary, Alicia, Nicolas, Chelsea, Frank III, James, Dominic, Jaclyn, Richard, and Nathan; and her eighteen great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Amber, Peggy, Donna, Kushmala, Barbara, and Denise; as well as the hospice nurses who provided compassionate care during her final days. Their kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

Rooted in faith, shaped by the spirit of New Orleans, and devoted to her family, her love will live on in all who knew her. She is now at peace, reunited with loved ones and resting in the arms of the Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass Lake Lawn Park.

In lieu of flowers and in her honor for her love of the arts, please consider a donation to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, www.nocca.com