Mary Giovingo de La Barre

Born to Pascal Giovingo, a Sicilian immigrant, and Sarah Muscarello on a strawberry farm near Hammond, Louisiana, Mary's early life was shaped by hardship. Her father's untimely death and the loss of the farm during the Depression forced her to leave school, but she proved to be resilient. Despite these challenges, Mary thrived in her various pursuits - modeling on the runway, in print, and for local department stores in New Orleans, while simultaneously teaching herself to paint, sew, and dance. She met the love of her life, Frank, while giving waltz lessons. Their life together was rich and full: they collected Southern art, restored historic properties, taught ballroom dance at Arthur Murray studios, traveled extensively, and adopted Andre and Maria, who became the center of their world.

Art was both Mary's passion and her means of self-expression. Her dedication to painting and philanthropy touched countless lives. Many New Orleanians are proud owners of one of her "Mary de La Barre Originals." As a self-taught artist who never attended high school, Mary cherished her role as a docent at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Her commitment extended to many organizations, including the New Orleans Opera Women's Guild and Opera Association, the New Orleans Symphony, Volunteers of America, St. Elizabeth's Guild, the American Heart Association, and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, PA. She was an active Member of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association and the English Speaking Union New Orleans Branch for many years, and she was a lifelong parishioner at the Basilica of St. Stephen, where she organized and ran the Nook. Mary's vibrant spirit was evident in her celebration of Mardi Gras - her beloved Carnival - as she delighted in decorating the halls and foyer of the Andrew Jackson Condominium for all major holidays. Her impeccable style earned her the distinction of being named one of New Orleans' Best Dressed twice, probably for wearing something she thrifted and remade herself.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Francois Duffossard Volant de La Barre, her son, Andre Pascalis Volant de La Barre, and all of her siblings: Rosie Mauro, Sam Giovingo, Lena Graves, Conchetta Muller, Annie Terry, Pete Giovingo, Beatrice Morgan, and Pascal “Junior” Giovingo. She is survived by her daughter, Maria de La Barre, her grandchildren, Logan de La Barre-Hays (Jacob Gattman) and Sales de La Barre, her many nieces and nephews, and her artwork. Mary will be fondly remembered for her fabulous outfits, joie de vivre, and devotion to her faith and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mary's memory to Young Audiences of Louisiana, which provides arts education and integration programs to children across the state, or to any of her favorite philanthropies.

Celebration of life details will be announced to relatives and friends at a later date. Please note that the internment will be private.