Obituary

ary Jane McCaskill Mehaffey passed away on November 4, in the presence of her two daughters and grandson. She was 96 years young and the last family member of her generation. Mary Jane was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 18, 1922 to Elmer A. McCaskill and Lenora Rice McCaskill. She graduated from Little Rock Senior High School and attended her first two years of college at Hendrix Jr College. She went on to complete her BA in Sociology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and met her beloved husband of 65 years, William C. Mehaffey, Jr. who passed away in 2010. After World War II, Mary Jane and Bill moved to New Orleans where they raised their four children and resided there until relocating to Christwood Retirement Community in 2007. Mary Jane was a woman of impeccable character with a deep faith in God. She was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in New Orleans, a third order Dominican and later an active member at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Madisonville, LA. She was a devoted wife and mother. Over the years she followed many interests. She was an elementary school teacher, a certified swimming instructor and lifeguard, a realtor as well as a real estate investor, a Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub Scout leader and den mother, an active member of the League of Women Voters for many years. Mary Jane was artistically talented. She painted, sewed, gardened, enjoyed traveling, playing games and loved to sing with her family. She was a lifelong student and constantly pursued her thirst for knowledge both spiritually and academically. She began studying Spanish as a second language in her 70's and continued her studies until her passing. She was a member of the Christwood Singers and adored singing with her community of dear friends at Christwood. Mary Jane's greatest love in life was her family. She gave of herself unconditionally and selflessly in her actions, words, thoughts or constant prayers. Her desire to be with her family and to be a faithful servant of God were the motivations and loves of her heart. She was a cornerstone and matriarch of four generations who loved, admired and respected her. She was a leader of admirable determination/full of grit. Her willpower alone could conquer even the greatest army. She leaves a legacy of faithful, loving, strong-willed, caring people who will forever be grateful to God for her. She is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed Mary Jane is survived by her children, Mary Frances Mehaffey Paskert (Chuck), William C. Mehaffey (Mary), Nancy Mehaffey Chambless, Lloyd A. Mehaffey (Kathy); 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass followed by sharing time will be held at Christwood Retirement Community Center in Covington, LA on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm.