Elizabeth “Betty” LaNasa Haydel

Published 5:52 pm Monday, October 23, 2017

Elizabeth “Betty” LaNasa Haydel departed this life on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at the age of 88, after a brief illness.

Elizabeth “Betty” LaNasa Haydel

She was born in New Orleans on July 11, 1929, and was a resident of Norco and later Destrehan.

Her beloved husband of 57 years, Harold Joseph Haydel, predeceased her, as did her parents, Leola Dalton LaNasa and Joseph Aloysius LaNasa.

Betty is survived by her five children and their spouses: Richard Joseph Haydel (Lana) of Sugarland, Texas, Pamela Haydel Mistretta (C.J.) of Baton Rouge, LA, Susan Haydel Elmendorf (Thomas) of Destrehan, LA, Michael James Haydel (Danielle) of Norco, LA and Janet Haydel Signorelli (John) of New Orleans, LA. In addition. “Mimi” is survived by 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother Dr. Joseph A. LaNasa Jr., and numerous relatives and extraordinary friends, “honorary” children and grandchildren, especially Jennifer LaNasa Evans.

Betty was a graduate of John McDonough, of which she never missed a class reunion every January, as well as attending Loyola University of New Orleans.

She was a retired Board Member of St. Charles Parish Economic Development Committee. She also found time to serve on the River Parish Tourist Commission, a Board Member of the River Regions Arts and Humanities Council and many more nonprofit organizations, including the Women’s Guild, the New Orleans Opera Association, Bonnet Carre Garden Club and too many more to mention.

She was a founding member of the River Road Historical Society, with over 40 years as an active member serving as treasurer. She was dedicated to fighting for preservation, especially her beloved French Quarter, Destrehan and Laura Plantations.

Her favorite holiday was Mardi Gras. With this, she was a member of the Krewe of Mid-City and reigned as Queen Mid City XL in 1993.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, 821 Fourth St. in Norco.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 13396 River Road in Destrehan, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the River Road Historical Society and Egan Hospice.

Arrangements are by H.C. Alexander Funeral Home in Norco. An online guestbook is available to sign at HCAlexander.com.