Joyce Galatas Cuevas

Joyce Galatas Cuevas, age 94, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025.  A devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived a full and beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and kindness.

Born on February 25, 1931, in New Orleans, LA., Joyce dedicated her life to her family and created a warm and welcoming space where faith was the foundation. Her kitchen was often filled with home-cooked meals and the sounds of family conversations.   

She is survived by her children: Susan Jenkins (Martin), Lynne Cuevas-Braden, Tony Cuevas (Leo), Paul Cuevas, Mark Cuevas (Lelian), and Lisa Impastato (Barry).  Her legacy lives on in each of them - in the values she passed down, traditions she started and continued, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Danny Galatas and sister-in-law Nancy Galatas.   

In addition, Joyce is survived by grandchildren: Dana, Farrah, Kristen, Rani, Tabatha, Fawn, Hayley, Mason, Brenna, Amanda, Sydney, Elijah, Adam, Jeff, Aaron, and Gabriel. She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Jenna, Tyler, Beau, Caden, Will, Shelby, Jack, Macie, Cadie, Emily, Wyatt M., Wyatt F., Kenzie, Roman, Ivy, Iris, Wrenly, Shiana, Lainey, Tailor, Ethan, Jace, Jordyn, Saeleah, and Novaleigh.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon Cuevas, her parents, Alvin and Leocadie Galatas, her brothers, Floyd (Sonny), Wesley, Ronald, and Robert Galatas, her grandchildren, Beau, Kelsea and Brandon, her great grandchild, Leocadie, among countless other beloved family members and cherished friends.

Joyce had a gentle strength, a joyful heart and a deep, abiding faith that carried her through life’s seasons. She embodied the true meaning of Steel Magnolia, born and raised as a Bayou girl from Bayou Liberty. She was a woman of quiet strength and heartfelt devotion.  She attended Our Lady of Lourdes and Slidell High schools and was a lifelong member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church, holding her faith at the center of her life and inspiring others around her. She delighted in family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and Southern holiday traditions. Her grandchildren always knew they could count on their Maw Maw to listen, play, teach and tell stories.  Her connection to her heritage was unwavering, and she embraced community life with enthusiasm from attending Pirogue Races, Bayou Liberty Civic Club events, and enjoying occasional family time at the Fais Do Do. Joyce’s life was a legacy of faith and family.  

Our family gratefully acknowledges your love and prayers and presence during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Genevieve Church.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Catholic Funeral Mass at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 58203 LA Highway 433, Slidell, LA 70460, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00 A.M.

Interment to follow in FOREST LAWN CEMETERY.

Visitation at the church on Monday after 10:00 A.M. until funeral time.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.