Mary Eguya Böhme

Mary was born in New Orleans and was raised by the Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart on Esplanade Avenue. She developed strong relationships with all the members of the Cabrini Convent family, but considered Mother Atanasia Ballabio of Italy her mother. Even after she married and had her own home, Mary made weekly visits to the Convent with her daughters to help give back to the Sisters of Mother Cabrini that had given her so much in life.

A lifelong native New Orleanian and devout Roman Catholic, Mary continued to be an active supporter of the Sisters of Cabrini, Cabrini school and her church for more than 50 years.

Mary was an incredible cook who, to the loss of her many admirers, never measured an ingredient or wrote down any recipe. She was happiest in the kitchen and around the dinner table, where she was able to nurture and be surrounded by her family and friends. Sunday lunches were incredibly special and were always a welcoming and memorable event for all who attended. Still to this day, her meatball and stuffed artichoke recipes are often requested.

She never missed a Mardi Gras parade and loved the entire Mardi Gras season. Mary especially liked passing on her bead catching techniques to her two grandchildren and sharing in all the joy of the season with her family and friends. She often carried several big bags of beads back to her home after a parade.

Mary was predeceased by Mother Atanasia Ballabio of Italy, the nun who raised her and her loving husband Robert Böhme, whom she was married to for 30 years.

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Hedwig Böhme of the home, Lily Böhme of Metairie and Mary Böhme McIver and husband Robert Gilmour McIver of North Carolina, and her grandchildren Catherine Laird Gilmour McIver and Robert Böhme McIver of North Carolina. She is also survived by many relatives, extended family and pet Chihuahua, Crybaby, who was a great comfort to her in her final years.

The family wishes to thank all of Mary’s physicians for the loving care they gave her over the years.

We would like to thank the Rev. Teodoro Agudo, O.F.M. Cap. of St. Theresa of Avila Church for his friendship and many blessings throughout the years .

Visitation will be 12 to 2 in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Cabrini High School, 1400 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA and a Roman Catholic Mass will immediately follow. Burial will take place in Lake Lawn Park.