Mary A. Tortorich

Mary A. Tortorich passed away on March 24, 2017 at the age of 102. She is predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Mary Tortorich, her siblings, Marion Tortorich, Frances T. True, Anna T. True, Anthony Tortorich, and Joseph Tortorich. She is survived by numerous generations of nieces and nephews. Mary will be truly missed by all of those who knew her. Mary Tortorich was born in New Orleans on December 8, 1915, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, to a devout Roman Catholic family of Italian heritage. Possessor of an exceptional soprano voice, Miss Tortorich attended Loyola University, where she studied under the celebrated voice teacher, Elizabeth Wood, who would also become the sole pedagogue of the legendary bass-baritone Norman Treigle. Following her graduation from the College of Music, she matriculated at The Juilliard School in New York City, and it was at this time she also made an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Miss Tortorich returned to New Orleans, and began teaching voice at Loyola in 1948. She also taught French Diction at the University. She earned the undying respect of her many students because of her knowledge of the voice, her absolute commitment to her pupils' total well-being, her exquisite gentility, as well as her deep piety. Miss Tortorich retired from Loyola University in 2003, following an amazing fifty-five years on the staff. She is unquestionably one of the most beloved teachers in the history of the College of Music. The family would like to especially thank the staff and caregivers and Lambeth House for all of their generosity and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association are preferred. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:00AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM until service time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.