Virginea Russell Burguieres

Dear Holly & Skip,
As I told you at the service, I was an intern in Mr. Hébert’s Washington office in the summers of '72–'74. I was a shy kid in '72 when I asked a question and was told, “Call Virginea.” I knew of your mom as my father (the late Crozet “Cro” Duplantier) had been a reporter and editor at the States-Item and had known her for years. I knew that your mom was a very powerful woman and I was initially nervous about calling her. Virginea was always so nice and was a virtual...

Dear Holly and Skipper,
A sad way to find relatives through an obituary but I am happy to learn about the two of you. I never knew your Mother but heard so much about her. Knew all her sisters and brothers except Irma Lee; my Grandmother so enjoyed her visits with your family when you were growing up. My Dad's Mother was your Grandfather's sister, Almeda Russell O'Neal. Although I am far away in Honolulu, in six weeks, will be moving to Houston and when I do, hope to be closer to...

Ernest, I only met your Mom once but she seemed like a wonderful woman. Reading about her makes me wish I knew her better and my prayers go out to you and your family.

Dear Holly-
My sympathies to you and Skipper and your families on the death of your mother. I don't know that we can ever truly prepare for that. Her life was a full one, and that I admire. We can't ask for more.
Love,
Mathilde

Dear Friends,
I was saddened to learn from my good friend Tony Lentini that Virginea passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with her and you. I was press secretary for Congressman F. Edward Hebert from 1966-77. I worked for two weeks with Virginea in the New Orleans office before moving on Washington, D.C. She was a mentor and a friend, and I appreciated all the help she gave me as a rookie staffer. I would visit New Orleans with the congressman and would spend a few weeks in the...

To Skipper and Holly,
I worked with your mother in the District Office from 1966 to 1968. It was my first job out of Soule College. I learned so much from her. She spoke of you both with a great deal of pride. She would make me laugh when she talked about the "Thrown Room" in the house on Marengo Street. God please bless you during this difficult time.

Dear Skip and Holly,

I am saddened to hear of Virginea's passing. As I said to Skipper at the family meeting, she was a fascinating woman whose grace and beauty held on to the end. It was a privilege to meet and interview her. Please know that I have a CD and transcript of our interview. Let me know if you would like to have a copy.

Sincerely,

Donna McGee Onebane

Dear Skip...We are out of town and saddened to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and although we did not have the opportunity to know your mother we enjoyed reading about her life. Please extend our sincere condolences to your family.

Skip:
I was sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Although I didn't know her, it sounds like she led a very interesting life. I do know that she raised a fine son; you. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.