She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elise Fleming; her son, Robert “Bobby” Smith; her two brothers, Raymond and Eddie Fleming; a son-in-law, John Mancuso, Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Lisa Imbraguglio Smith; and her aunt, Mary “Mae” Moran.
Thais is survived by three daughters, Thais “Mitzi” Mancuso, Karen Spellman (John Spellman), and Michele Mazzetti (Matt Mazzetti); her son, Michael Smith; her eight grandchildren, Joseph Mancuso (Lachelle Mancuso), Amanda Usner (Nick Usner), Ian Smith, Jeremy Smith, Joshua Smith, Christy Lott, Charles Mazzetti, and Maddalena Mazzetti; her eight great-grandchildren, Kailah Mancuso, Maggie Mancuso, Zachary Mancuso, Mollie Mancuso, Juliette Mancuso, Caleb Usner, Logan Usner, and Ashton Usner; her sister-in-law, Christina Fleming; her two life-long, devoted friends, Mary and Jake Barraco; her cooking pal, Frances Mazzetti; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thais was born in New Orleans on March 8, 1932, and was a manager for many years in a bakery. She enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, and gardening. Thais was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was most proud of being a mom and loved her children beyond words. She was the happiest when she was visiting with family and friends. Her smile was so bright, it would always light up the room. Thais always loved being outside in the sun, tending to her fruit and vegetable garden. She could grow anything and her neighbors were stunned to see huge stalks of corn growing in her tiny backyard in Metairie! She would often use her pickings to cook and bake, which was one of her most favorite things to do. She loved creating recipes for everyone to taste. She amassed a huge collection of perfectly hand-written recipe books that she passed on to her children. And when she wasn’t gardening or cooking, Thais could be found sitting in her comfy chair working on yet another crochet project. She made many blankets and doilies that she was so proud of, and everyone waited in line to be the next one to receive one of her creations.
Her legacy of love and compassion will carry on forever, reminding all that knew her to live life to the fullest and with a positive attitude. She touched the lives of so many people. Thais will truly be missed but will certainly never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Foundations Hospice for their care and compassion.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 12:00PM. The visitation will begin at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the service at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.
To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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