Wanda Turner Balestra

Wanda Balestra departed this life on Sep 24th 2015. She was preceded by her son Jeffery Balestra and her parents Euris and Beulah Turner. She is survived by loving husband of 54 years, Louis Balestra and her children Joseph Balestra with his wife Sherry, and Cyndi Kirkland with her husband Art. She had three adoring grandchildren, Chris with his wife Maikeli, Craig and Michael Balestra with his wife Lindsay. Miss Wanda was the proud great-grandmother to Zoie Balestra.

Miss Wanda served as the secretary at St Anthony of Padua Catholic School for over 44 years. There she touched the lives of countless children of several generations of New Orleanians. One of her fondest memories was the farewell mass conducted in her honor and the gifts of appreciation from the students. She loved her children at Saint Anthony almost as much as her own.

Wanda was a true New Orleanian, a proud member of her parish and a die-hard Saints fan. She was also the heart and soul of a loving family, a devoted wife, proud mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother and a loyal friend and neighbor. She leaves a hole in our lives that cannot be filled, but for which we are all grateful. We are all better people for having had her in our lives and now we will hold her in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.