Marie Ghislaine Hegarty

Born November 24, 1924 in Kortrijk, Belgium, Ghislaine was a teenager during the Nazi occupation of WWII and worked with the Resistance in minor but meaningful ways. In 1952, she met and married her husband John Hegarty, a Radio Officer in the Merchant Marines, and immigrated to the United States, traveling through Cuba during a politically tumultuous period. Upon arriving in the US, they temporarily resided in New York, John's birthplace, before eventually relocating to New Orleans where she immediately fell in love with the city and its people.

Ghislaine worked as a real estate agent with Latter and Blum from 1968 to 1994 where her passion and work ethic were an inspiration to the junior agents she mentored. She was a devoted Catholic who loved her St. Dominic community. She supported many charities throughout her life and was a tireless community activist. She and her friend Nancy Simoneaux created the library at St. Dominic Grammar School. She served the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association for over 25 years as Treasurer, Secretary, Editor, and the association has named an award after her. And in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina she worked relentlessly in the reconstruction process navigating the complex challenges involved in rebuilding a devastated neighborhood. Ghislaine was an elegant, sophisticated, and fiercely loyal woman who spoke several languages, adored opera, cats, good friends, good food and good wine.

She is preceded in death by her father (Camille Pijck), her mother (Martha Hiltrop), her brother (Josef Pijck), her husband (John Hegarty), her beloved nieces Annie, Rita, Juana, and Jeannie, and many dear friends. She is survived by her daughter Nikol; Lynda; her nieces Marilyn, Panama, and Lola; her grandnieces Noemie, Stephanie, and Eugenie; and by many devoted friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue in New Orleans, on Friday, January 2, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00am with a Memorial Mass following at 12:00pm. Marie will be laid to rest in Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum.