Irene Barreca Lucia

Born on January 6, 1938 in Sousse, Tunisia, Irene was the beloved daughter of the late Maria Ribaudo Barreca and Joseph Barreca. In her late teens, she voyaged to the United States, where she built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and devotion to others. She spoke French, Italian, and Arabic, and learned English from the nuns at St. Charles Borromeo School.

Irene was the cherished wife of the late Anthony Lucia and a caring mother to Angela Fabares, Mary Schexnaydre (David), Michelle Catoire (Eric), Anthony Lucia Jr., Joe Lucia (Gearldlynn), and the late Vincent Lucia; and mother-in-law of Terri Lucia.

She was the adoring grandmother of Christopher and Krystle Fabares, Brennan Lucia, Brooke Trosclair (Joe), Cody Falgoust, David Schexnaydre Jr. (Leanne), Shelley Bennett (Blake), Maria Schexnaydre, Erica Bonura (Jon), Natalie Dale (Jared), Clint Catoire (Reyna), Joey Lucia (Taylor), and Kami Dufour (Jake).

She was also the loving great-grandmother of Jayce, Javion, Journee, Claire, Cadi, Ella, David III, Julia, Blake Jr., Elijah, Mackenzie, Juliette, Stella, Rowan, Enzo, Cameron, Carter, Joey III, Luke, Mason, and Charlotte.

Irene was preceded in death by her siblings Rosette Courtat, Caroline Charbonnere, Theresa Perez, Dorothy Boudreaux, Lydia Bermudez, Antoine Barreca, and Joseph Barreca, becoming the last surviving sibling of her family. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Mary Alyce and Nicole Barreca, Mary Snyder, and Cheryl Lucia.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Irene loved our Lord dearly and spent endless hours in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. For many years, she faithfully hosted the rosary in her home and sang in several church choirs. Her life was marked by her resilience and generous servitude, especially in the selfless care she gave to her husband throughout his battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Irene also dedicated many years to serving meals to countless students at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School and within the St. Charles Parish Public Schools system. Above all else, she treasured her family and the life she built with her husband and six children.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and loving staff at SummerHouse Ashton Manor for the exceptional care they provided to our mother. We would also like to sincerely thank her sitters, Crystal Gautreaux and Pat Bossier, for the kindness, companionship, and care they showed her.

Mama, may the Angels lead you to Paradise.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norco, LA on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Cemetery, Destrehan, LA.