Jane Waguespack Molony

On September 27, 2021, two days shy of her 94th birthday, Jane Leslie Waguespack Molony slipped through our mortal grasp into heaven's embrace. But not before touching and inspiring countless souls here on earth.

First child of Jane Leslie Hart and attorney Wilhelm (William) Waguespack, Jr., Jane attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart, then Maryville College in St. Louis, graduating with a degree in English Literature.

Back in New Orleans, Jane met and married Michael J. Molony, Jr., also an attorney, and together the couple raised eight children. Remarkably, she was somehow able to balance the demands of parenthood x 8 with a life of service to her community that endeared her to so many.

With three daughters enrolled at her alma mater, Sacred Heart, Jane and a few friends conceived, founded and for several years operated the school bookstore as volunteers.

Jane also devoted considerable time to the church. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Guild. She also co-chaired the WLAE art auction multiple years. For these and her many other efforts in service to her community, Jane received the Order of Saint Louis from the Archbishop.

Perhaps her most impactful and enduring civic contributions were made during her forty years as founder and leader of the Friends of the Cabildo tour guide training program. As one FOC board member put it, “She touched each student through her love, both for New Orleans and for each of us as people. Her legacy lives on in every guide and in every tour."

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Elizabeth Waguespack Basile and brothers William and Robert Waguespack, her eldest son Michael J. Molony, III and daughter Sara Ellen Molony.

Jane leaves behind six of her children: Jane Leslie Molony (Ronald Reid Cobb), Megan Elizabeth Molony, Kevin Douglas Molony, William Brian Molony (Yana Kurnosova), Ian Peter Molony and Duncan Christopher Molony (Michelle Roig Dennis). She has two grandsons, Cameron Reid Cobb (Leslie Molony and Ron Cobb) and Christopher Killian Molony (Duncan Molony). Kayden Jai Cobb is her great-grandson. And no list of bereaved family would be complete without including Anita Robertson, beloved “mother's helper” of many years.

The family would like to give special thanks to the extraordinarily compassionate and caring aides who attended Jane in her final months: Kimberly Peters, Loretta Campbell, Bonnie Cheavious and Linda Robinson, as well as Linda Williams, Acquanitta Shelby, Darlene Self and Tammy Williams.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at The Saint Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley New Orleans, LA 70116. The Mass will begin at 2:00PM. Interment will occur during a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Cabildo.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com