Nancy Hoover Gates

Nancy Hoover Gates, 85, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on October 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She entered this world with her identical twin sister on February 1, 1941, in Lamesa, Texas, surprising both her parents and the doctor. Nancy grew up with a vibrant spirit of warmth, generosity, and devotion to others. After completing her education, she began working as a Girl Friday at Shell Oil in New Orleans. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband, Herb. Together, they built a life and family rooted in love.

Nancy poured her heart into everything she did. She was a natural caregiver who constantly looked out for those around her, whether they were relatives in need, lifelong friends, or neighbors. When she wasn't feeding the neighborhood, she could often be found enjoying a lively game of bridge. A woman of deep and enduring faith, Nancy was a devout Catholic and a dedicated, long-time parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Church.

As a mother, Nancy was the true anchor of her family. She provided endless patience, a compassionate listening ear, and a warm, open home where everyone felt like family the moment they walked through the door. Her loved ones will forever cherish the memory of her gathering everyone around the table, especially for her famous homemade gumbo and comforting banana bread.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Roy Gates; her parents, Gertrude Allaire and Caleb Murphree Hoover; her sister, June Bordelon; her daughter, Toni Ann Gates; and her grandson, Ernest Micheal Schilling.

Her legacy of love lives on through her surviving family. She leaves behind her daughters, Jeanne Gates Schilling and Kathryn Gates Wild; her cherished grandchildren, David Felix Schilling, Audrey Kathryn Wild, and Samantha Leigh Wild; her sisters, Janice Graziano, Margaret Jacobs, and Martha Crombie; and a community of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Nancy’s life and faith will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, located at 2729 Lowerline St, New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:30am with mass held at 11:00am. Interment will be private.

In honor of Nancy’s lifelong passion for caregiving, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, you honor her memory by spending time with the elderly, the lonely, or anyone in need of companionship.