Larca Mary Scallan Schexnayder, age 82, of New Orleans
Larca Mary Scallan Schexnayder
NEW ORLEANS - A Funeral Mass for Larca Mary Scallan Schexnayder will be held on Saturday June 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal Street. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery #3.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until Mass time.
Larca Mary Scallan Schexnayder, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 21, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones. Larca, known affectionately as “Doll” by her late husband John, was born in Marksville, the daughter of Jacob and Thora Berlin Scallan. Growing up in the country life with eight siblings, forged her honest, down to earth character. They lived off the land and were a tight knit family. One by one as her sisters and brothers moved to the New Orleans area, she followed suit. The final step was their parents relocating to the city soon thereafter in 1951.
Her first job was at Morgan & Lindsey on Jefferson Hwy making $35 a week. She also attended Warren Easton High School finishing her diploma in 1954. It was in the Carrollton section of New Orleans that she met her future husband, John “Brother” Emile Schexnayder. They married in August of 1955 and raised five children, Johnny Jr, Pamela, Mark (Heidi), Darryl (Ana), and Bryan (Donna) and remained married for 60 years.
Her children remain eternally grateful for her total unselfishness, life lessons, fortitude, and unconditional love. Besides being an unwavering mother, some other job stints included Commodity Credit, Napco Paint, and Conco Foods. Some of Larca's interests and passions included cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, travel, and spending time with her beloved grand and great grandchildren. She was a ninja in the kitchen, often taking traditional recipes and trying new twists with whatever ingredients were available. Her gumbos; chicken and sausage, and seafood; were big hits and unparalleled. Larca and John were most proud of the extensive citrus grove in their backyard.
Larca was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and seven siblings; Ernest, Ivan, Ethyl, Nettie, Aleck, Sidney, and Hannon.
As current matriarch of the Scallans, she is survived by her sister, Dixie; her five children, Johnny Jr, Pamela, Mark (Heidi), Darryl (Ana), and Bryan (Donna); nine grandchildren; Trina (John), Joy (Tim Jr), John, Ava, Joseph, Alexa, Noah, Stefan, and Sophie; and three great-grandchildren, Adriana, Tim, and Ezra; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her family would also like to thank Dr. Howard Brenner, the staff at Hospice Associates; Britney, Donna, Angel, and Tyra; and Sherry Baker, caregiver extraordinaire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larca's name to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com.