Mary Anastasia Doud Bendernagel died on Sunday June 28, 2020 at the age of 83. “Mary Ann” was born on August 24, 1936 in Stuart, Iowa to Cecelia James Doud and Martin Patrick Doud. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Lawrence (Larry) Doud and her daughter, Anne Bendernagel. Survivors include her husband, Edmond Joseph (Chick) Bendernagel, Jr., her children, Jan Sonnier, Mary (Eesie) Pellessier, John Bendernagel (wife Coco) and her three beloved grandchildren, Celeste and Gerard Sonnier and John Bendernagel. She is also survived by her brothers, Charles (Chuck) Doud of Tucson, Arizona and Patrick (Pat) Doud (wife Mary) of Stuart, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.
Mary Ann attended a one-room schoolhouse in Stuart through 8th grade and graduated from St. Joseph Academy, a boarding school in Des Moines. She came to New Orleans for Mardi Gras at the invitation of an Aunt and Uncle and moved here shortly thereafter. While living at the Ogden home on Palmer Avenue she met “Chick” Bendernagel, a next-door neighbor. They married in 1957 in Stuart and made their home in New Orleans where they raised their four children. She returned to Stuart every summer with her children where they made cherished memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles and a multitude of cousins. She cherished her dear brothers, their wives and children. The Doud family, relatives, childhood friends from Iowa, and her Irish heritage were always near and dear to her heart.
Like all busy moms, she drove carpools and volunteered at schools (Holy Name, Ursuline, Sacred Heart, Jesuit). She took a heartfelt interest in all of her childrens’ friends and loved each and every one of them. Mary Ann was an extremely compassionate person. On any given day she might be found taking food to Ozanam Inn, driving nuns all over New Orleans or taking the elderly butcher from the neighborhood grocer to a doctor.
Mary Ann enjoyed cooking and mastered New Orleans cuisine with the help of her dear friend, Joyce Crews. One of her favorite projects was collaborating to create a series of cookbooks still in print today. She loved music and singing and was a devoted member of the Holy Name of Jesus choir for many years. She served as President of Heart Ambassadors and on the board at St. Elizabeth’s Guild. She made lasting and treasured friendships over the years through these associations.
When their children were almost finished college, Chick and Mary Ann bought a home on the beach in Pensacola. She never learned how to swim but that did not affect her appreciation for the pure white sand, glorious sunsets, and sea life. The beach house offered the ideal setting for Mary Ann to be the ultimate hostess to family and friends for more than 20 years.
Her grandchildren knew her as “Mimi” and sometimes, “The Spoiler,” as she would do just about anything to entertain them. They have many fond memories of games and adventures together. Mimi was the perfect playmate – happy to play along wherever their imagination took them. When asked recently what she was interested in doing, without hesitation she replied, “I’d like to get back to playing with my grandchildren.” She truly adored and was so proud of them.
Chick and Mary Ann celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary just a week before she died. Her devotion to Chick was unwavering. Mary Ann knew the importance of making others feel loved and she was a natural at it. She was quick to recognize when someone’s spirits needed lifting and offered words of encouragement or a simple compliment. She knew the value of laughter and had a gift for helping others see what they might consider flaws as positive qualities. She exemplified strength of character, graciousness under adversity and she loved unconditionally. She will be missed by all who loved her.
The family wishes to express our deep appreciation to everyone who played a role in Mary Ann’s care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary Ann’s memory to All Saints Catholic Church, 216 All Saints Drive, Stuart, Iowa 50250 www.stuartallsaints.org.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. A visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass in Metairie Cemetery. The church kindly requests those attending the services to wear facemasks.
The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.
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