Anna Rita Benfatti "Mita" Williamson

1938 - 2019

Anna "Mita" Rita Benfatti Williamson passed away in Katy, Texas on April 18, 2019, at the age 80, surrounded by family and in the home of her daughter, Monique Galatas. Anna survived the last 5 years of her life with ovarian cancer, and never lost love for life, family, friends and faith. She was a New Orleans native and a resident of Mid-city, Gentilly, Lakeview and Mandeville. She is an alumnus of Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School and Annunciation High School. Anna had a positive outlook on life, and was a devout Catholic. She enjoyed many things in life, such as her friends and activities at the People Program, eating fried shrimp, dancing, painting, Brazilian embroidery, and playing the piano. Anna also loved her career and worked as a legal secretary at the law firm of Lemle & Kelleher and the law department of Freeport McMoran. As a mother, she was characterized by unconditional love and sacrifice. A steady procession of friends and family travelled from Louisiana to Katy beginning in January and never stopped until her passing. For three and a half months, her daughter's house was a Grand Central Station of love and compassion for Anna, and a testament to her friendliness and popularity. Those who were unable to visit were with her as well in thoughts, prayers and phone calls. Anna's children want to extend their gratitude to those who were able to help Anna as caregivers – (alphabetically) Grace Benfatti, Leslie Brady, Phyllis Carver, Marie DiMaio, Jane LaBauve, Louise LaBauve, Lucy LaBauve, Stacey LaBauve and Gaynell Paradelas. She is survived by her son Roland Gallatin and his wife Iris currently residing in Saudi Arabia, daughter Simone Dyer and her husband Rob of Katy, daughter Monique Galatas of Katy, son David Galatas of Raleigh, and 4 grandchildren, Mitchell, Nathan, Collin and Blake. She is also survived by brother, Johnny Benfatti (Grace); sister, Lucy LaBauve; brothers, Tony Benfatti, and Jude Benfatti Sr. (Cindy); sister-in-law, Cathy Benfatti, and brother-in-law, Ricky Ritchie. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Anthony and Anna Benfatti, her first husband and father of her children Raymond E. Galatas, her second husband Robert Williamson; sister, Mary Lawless Bernier; brother, Louie Benfatti; sister, Clara Ritchie; brother-in-law, Ralph LaBauve Sr.; and sister-in-law, Jenny Benfatti. Anna's life was an inspiration to all who met her, and we are glad to know that she is now dancing and eating fried shrimp in Heaven. Anna has departed temporarily until we join her again, but is always with us until then. Funeral services are Friday, April 26, 2019, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 · (504) 486-6331. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a Mass at 3:00 pm. Flowers can be sent to Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. The funeral home recommends a local florist over 1-800 flowers, based on past difficulty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at https://marybird.org/giving/. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.