Ritamay Moreland

Ritamay Negrotto Moreland, 93, died May 8, 2015, in Austin, Texas. She was born in New Orleans to Genevieve Hawkins Negrotto and Robert E. Lee Negrotto, Jr., on the Fourth of July 1921. Ms. Moreland graduated from Sophie Wright High School after which she attended Louisiana State University. Her time at LSU during the war years was interspaced with work for the American Red Cross in New Orleans. While at LSU, Ms. Moreland met a fellow student and the love of her life, Richard W Moreland. They were married in 1944. Finishing up her time at LSU, Ms. Moreland was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (French) in 1944 and a Certificate of Social Welfare in 1946. Mr. and Ms. Moreland began to build their family in New Orleans. She served as an elementary teacher before accepting a position in her chosen vocation as a social worker with Jefferson Parish. Ms. Moreland pursued a Masters in Social Work at Tulane University, and became a psychiatric social worker. In later years, she left social work to finish raising her children and to support Mr. Moreland as he pursued new endeavors in the oilfield services industry. Until Hurricane Katrina, Mr. and Ms. Moreland resided in Metairie and attended St. Clement of Rome Church. Shortly after their evacuation, ultimately to Austin, Mr. Moreland passed away. When she was able, Ms. Moreland returned to New Orleans. For the past three years, Ms. Moreland resided in Austin with a daughter and her family. Ms. Moreland reveled in being a part her daughter’s busy home. She also took great joy from her participation in the life of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Ms. Moreland is survived by her four children and their spouses: Richard Jr. and Vicki Pierce Moreland, Anne Lee and Bill Heidingsfelder, Gigi and Steve Legendre, and Ritamay and Eddie Mire; her ten grandchildren and their spouses: Genevieve Moreland, Leslie Moreland-Bishop and David Bishop Amanda and Jeff Ross, Katie H. and Scott Eddins, Lee Heidingsfelder, Anne Yvette Legendre, Richard Legendre, Andrea and Seth Holloway, Ryan and Kate Mire, and Dean Mire; and five great grandchildren: Michael and Meredith Eddins, Drake and Genevieve Bishop, Eleanor Ross, and Zoe Mire. There will be a visitation with the family from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon, Saturday May 16, 2015, at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 4317 Richland Ave., Metairie, Louisiana, and a Funeral Mass following at 12:00 Noon. Interment will be at Christ Church Cathedral, 2921 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, on Tuesday May 19, 2015, at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross or Second Harvest.