Lydia Schexnayder DeSoto passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on August 17, 1951, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lydia’s life was rooted in the city she called home. Lydia was a graduate of St. Catherine of Siena School and Archbishop Chapelle High School, and she later completed the LPN program at Jefferson Vo-Tech School. With steady dedication, she devoted 45 years of service as a funeral director at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.
Lydia is preceded in death by her parents, Earl J. Schexnayder and Mildred Heisler Schexnayder, and by her sister-in-law, Sandra B. Schexnayder.
She is survived by her daughters, Monique Hamburger (Jeffrey) and Nicole Valladares (Oscar); her grandson, Grant Guidry; and her brother, Eugene Schexnayder Sr. She is also survived by her nephews, Eugene Schexnayder Jr., Shane (Kim), and Sean Schexnayder, as well as her great nieces, Camila and Lucia Schexnayder.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sister Servants of Mary, 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122. To view and sign the family’s online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
