Marie "Rena" Tassin Blanda, 93, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013 in Texas.
She was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on August 31, 1920, to the late Sarah Marie Moreau and Weston Tassin. She was preceded in death by her brother Ward and two sisters Anna Mae and Joan.
Marie married the late Cassimo Blanda on November 24, 1946, in New Orleans.
Marie often shared stories of her life in New Orleans, saying, "We paraded and partied," referring to the many Mardi Gras and other social events that she and her husband enjoyed together. Their love for Louisiana also included touring many of the southern plantation homes and dining often at their favorite New Orleans restaurants. They also travelled to Paris, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Holland.
She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family. She also worked in real estate. She took great pride in being fashionable and one of her favorite memories was modeling in her daughter's high school fashion show.
She was a devout Catholic, who prayed and said the rosary daily. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Janet Blanda Carver (husband Richard) and her three grandchildren Jason Carver (wife Renee), Sara Carver-Milne (husband Stew), and Charles Carver. She is also survived by her six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Marie is buried next to her loving husband at Hope Mausoleum in New Orleans.