Marie Anne Hayes Altazan, 95, died Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Marie was born in Houston, TX on May 12, 1924 to Bert Hayes and Anna Fragua and was raised in Galveston. After getting a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, she moved to New Orleans to work at Loyola University where she met the love of her life, Dr. John Altazan. She was a devout Catholic who taught religious education at St. Francis Cabrini Church for many years, she and John were active in the Pre-Cana program, and was a member of Transfiguration of the Lord Church. Marie taught at Dominican College, Sacred Heart Academy, LSUNO, St. Vincent Maternity Home, and was dedicated to tutoring privately, especially nursing students. She was involved at her children’s and grandchildren’s schools, in many organizations including Girl Scouts, League of Women Voters, St. Agnes Academy in Houston, UNO Women’s Club, Rotary International Innerwheel, Friends of the UNO Library, St. Joseph’s Indian School, UNO-Innsbruck Program, St. Vincent Infant and Maternity Guild, her “Church Lady” group and many other social and philanthropic groups. Marie had a heart for others. She and John were always hosting foreign students and they loved to travel the world. They considered Innsbruck, Austria their second home. More than anything, Marie loved her family. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John Altazan, and her brother Bert Hayes. She is survived by her two daughters, Alison Altazan Guerra (Ramiro) and Kerrin Altazan as well as her grandchildren Amanda Altazan, Marissa Altazan, John Guerra, SJ, Olivia Guerra, and her great-grandson, Aiden Altazan. Marie had such a love for life and saw joy in everything she did and everyone she met -she never met a stranger. She loved crossword puzzles and going out for coffee and meals at her favorite restaurants where she was known by all the staff and regulars. Everything to her was an adventure. Her last wish was that there be no tears. She wanted this time of her passing to be a celebration of her life…and have a toast of sherry in her memory. Special thanks go to her caretaker and companion, Geraldine Mitchell and St. Catherine’s Hospice. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 9am – 11am followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 am in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home on Canal St. Reception will follow. Private interment. ARRANGEMENTS BY JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
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