Lauralie Ann Kelly Blanchard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Lauralie Ann Kelly Blanchard at the age of 82, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at her family home in Metairie, Louisiana. Born on March 23, 1943, in New Orleans, she was the beloved daughter of Marie Inez Rouyer and Francis Cyril Kelly.

Lauralie, known affectionately as “Laurie,” was a lifelong learner and an active member of her community. She attended St. Rose Catholic Grammar School, St. Joseph Academy, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of New Orleans. Continuing her education, Laurie earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey College and later a Paralegal Certification from Tulane University.

After completing her degree at UNO, Laurie embarked on an exciting career as a stewardess with Pan American Airlines, traveling throughout South America. After Pan Am, she was a research assistant at the USDA where she met Eugene J. Blanchard Jr., the love of her life, with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Laurie’s true calling, however, was nursing. With her deep compassion and nurturing spirit, she excelled in the field and received her BSN from William Carey College, graduating at the top of her class. She spent over 10 years at Hotel Dieu Hospital, where she worked in various departments, including the Emergency Room, Critical Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics. Her dedication to patient care was unparalleled, and she continued to serve as a “pool nurse” for over 40 years, working at numerous hospitals such as Baptist, Touro, Children’s Hospital, Ochsner, West Jefferson, East Jefferson, and Methodist. Her reputation as a meticulous, empathetic, and highly skilled nurse earned her the respect of the medical community.

Laurie was also an avid artist, studying at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, the Blue Easel Club, and the Metairie Art Guild. She found inspiration in the beauty of family, travel, and nature, often combining her love for painting with her adventures. Her travels to visit her sons—Brad in Colorado and Brian in Europe—provided the inspiration for many of her breathtaking oil paintings, capturing the essence of the places she visited and the people she loved.

She leaves behind her sons, Brian Blanchard and Rob Hubbel, daughter-in-law Ingrid Lechantre, sister Eileen Boylston, and six cherished grandchildren: Thomas, Nicholas, Casey, Gene, Jeremy, and Tate. Her family will forever miss her wisdom, her gentle touch, her long conversations, and her warm embraces.

A devout Catholic, Laurie’s faith was the bedrock of her life. She found comfort in the unconditional love and mercy of Jesus Christ, which carried her through life’s many trials. As a devoted parishioner of St. Angela Merici Church, she was actively involved in several ministries, including the St. Angela Ladies Auxiliary and St. Joseph’s Altar. Her generous spirit and boundless heart touched the lives of many, and we take solace in knowing that she now rests in the embrace of the Lord, reunited with her beloved husband, son, and parents.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Lauralie are invited to celebrate her life and memory at a memorial service on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. A gathering of loved ones will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Angela Merici Church (835 Melody Drive, Metairie, LA 70002). Flowers will be provided by Federico’s Family Florist of Metairie.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.