Lelia “Lee” Margaret D’Antoni Norris peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 after a sudden stroke at the age of 89. Loving mother of Karen Norris DeRocha (Gary), Rebecca Norris Culotta (Gary) and James Anthony Ybarzabal (Amy). She was the beloved daughter of the late Jeanne M. D’Antoni and Joseph John D’Antoni and was preceded in death by all her siblings Catherine D’Antoni Thibodeaux, Antoinette D’Antoni Poitevent, Jane D’Antoni Denley, Violet D’Antoni Oracz, and Joseph D’Antoni, Jr. She was a loving grandmother to Brad Smith (Jaime), Amy McKenney (Madi) Austin Culotta (Jessica), Ellie Culotta Voelkel (Christian), Adam, Kyle, Bella, Gabrielle, and Camille Ybarzabal. Great grandmother to Alexis and Caroline Smith. Step grandmother to Ryan DeRocha and Kevin DeRocha (Dina) and step great grandmother to Ethan, Gavin, and Corinne DeRocha. She is survived by her sister-in-law Lucy D’Antoni and a host of nieces and nephews. She was "Maw Maw Lee", "Mama Lee", "Aunt Lee", and "Lee Lee" to many others as well.
Lelia was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios for nearly twenty years and was part of their Dance Company. She danced at the Blue Room, on television and traveled to Europe, California, and New York with other Dance Company members. She later worked in the Maritime Industry at Barwil for twenty years until she retired. She was worldly for her time and instilled her love of travel in her children and grandchildren. She was on the Adoration Chapel schedule for years at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Chalmette. As she got older, she would often say how proud she was of her children. They are good people because of her. She faced challenges, endured injustices, and took care of so many, all on her own. Lee did not say “why me?” Instead, she said “We have to thank the Good Lord for our blessings.” If you knew Lelia, you were blessed.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to Jason, her CNA Tonya and nurse Andrew, and the entire staff at Heritage Manor in Mandeville for the loving care given to Lee. They would also like to thank the Stroke team and Neuro/Stroke ICU Unit at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans for the excellent care of Lee and compassion expressed to her children during this difficult time.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Dr. Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 10:30 am -12:00 pm followed by a Memorial Mass beginning at 12:00 Noon. Inurnment will follow at St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.gracenorthshore.com
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