Nancy Margaret Crews Arena

Nancy Margaret Crews Arena passed away peacefully at her home on September 16, 2017 at the age of 91. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had touched in some way throughout her life. Mrs. Arena was born in Barnesville, Georgia and was the daughter of the late Elsie and Leonard Crews. She was the sister of Louise, Mattie Jo, Jack, Bennett, Marvin and Aubry. At a young age Nancy left her hometown to attend Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans where she received a Registered Nursing Degree. While attending nursing school she met her love, Cyril. Soon after graduating nursing school, they married and lived in Gentilly Woods for many years. She began her nursing career working at Hotel Dieu Hospital and continued through the years working at Baptist Hospital and Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital. Prior to its opening, she came on board at Methodist Hospital to set up the surgery unit and worked as the Operating Room Supervisor. She enjoyed working with the many fine physicians, nurses and hospital staff members until her retirement. Her role as a nurse fit her personality so well. She was always very kind, sweet and compassionate to anyone who walked into her life and had the pleasure of meeting her. Through her married life she and Cyril enjoyed traveling, going to the theatre, were Saints season tickets holders, vacations with family and many other activities. She loved being with friends, family and especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Arena was the mother of Wayne Lawrence Arena (Anita), Rhonda Arena Adamson, Gary Lawrence Arena, Sr. (Juanita) and the late Nancy Arena Swayne. She is the proud grandmother of Tasha Arena Mix, Steven Arena, Wayne Lawrence Arena, Jr. (Alainna), Jeremy Lawrence Arena, Amanda Adamson Damron, Cary G. Adamson and the late Gary Arena, Jr. She is a great-grandmother of Eriel, Hailey, Brynn, Brooks, Joey, Emma, Ella and the late Caleb Adamson. She has many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in New Orleans as well as in Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of her care-givers during the last years of her life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, September 22nd from 10:00AM – 12:00PM. As Nancy and Cyril were devoted Catholics, a funeral service in Nancy's memory will be held in the chapel beginning at 12:00PM. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.