Madelaine Hooge Huitt

Madelaine (Hooge) Huitt, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025.

She is survived by her four children: Darren Huitt (Jacqueline), Jannine Huitt, Cheryl Rivera (Warren), and Kathleen Duhé (Daniel).  She is also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick, Kennett II, Darren Jr., and Michael.

Madelaine was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Kennett Whitehead Huitt, her parents Esther Hooge and Carl Hooge, as well as her sister Carleen Franchina.

Madelaine graduated Francis T. Nichols Senior High School in 1961. Just two short years later, she entered the world of corporate politics by campaigning across multiple states and ultimately winning the seat as Secretary for the Women’s Committee of the New Orleans Public Service Incorporated (later known as Entergy New Orleans.)  Her campaign slogan “Keep Paddlin’ with Madelaine for smooth sailing,” shows the influence Kennett had on her life at that time.

Madelaine married Kennett in 1964 and gave up her corporate politics to be a cherished wife and nurturing mother.  She excelled in these roles in every way. She also pursued her interests in gardening, cooking, and fishing.  She was quite gifted in each of these endeavors. Her gardens showcased the brightest, most glorious flowers, and each year she harvested an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, and other vegetables. Her pecan pie and roast beef were unparalleled.  Anyone who knew her, knew of her love for fishing. The first time Kennett took her out on the water, she was hooked.  Whether from boat, shoreline, or dock, she was quite content with a line in the water anytime her schedule would permit. If there were fish in the water, she would catch them every time. 

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA, on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 A.M.

Interment will follow in FOREST LAWN CEMETERY.

Visitation on Monday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.

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