Isma Zelenka Luquette

Isma Irene Zelenka Luquette, 91, of Metairie, LA, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2025.

Born in New Orleans on November 27, 1933, to the late Caroline Elizabeth and Emmett George Zelenka, Isma grew up in a family that worked hard. Her early years were spent on her parents' dairy farm in Metairie before the family moved to New Orleans, where they operated a corner grocery store.

Her life was a classroom of faith, love, and perseverance-defined by her devotion to her family and her faith. Her legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touched with kindness, patience, and wisdom. She always drew comfort from books of daily scripture reflections.

She was a star on the archery team at NORD and at McMain High School, she triple lettered in sports. After graduating summa cum laude from Loyola University with a degree in Education and later earning a Master's degree from the University of New Orleans, Isma pursued a career in teaching. She was a beloved 5th-grade teacher and later served as a Reading Lab Teacher at Bissonet Plaza Elementary School. Following her retirement from the Jefferson Parish School System, she founded the Jefferson Reading Clinic, where she pioneered a "Tutors with Computers" program before smartphones, tablets, and laptops. She was dedicated to helping her students succeed.

Isma was a devoted grandmother and great grandmother, lovingly known as "Grandma" and "Nanice." A lifelong reader, she found joy in sharing books with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always keeping one close at hand.

She is survived by her children, Cherie Gravois (Wayne), Mark Luquette, Lisa Arceri (Chris), and Andre Marie Luquette; her grandchildren, Laura Devillier (Brandon), Hozana Arceri (Julia), Israel Arceri (Katelin), Justice Arceri, Marissa Luquette, and Erin Luquette; and her six great-grandchildren, Jude, Owen, Anne, and Ruth Devillier, and Ava and Asher Arceri. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kathleen (Kit) Ahrens Zelenka. She was preceded in death by her dear brother, Emmet George Zelenka, Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 15th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Zachary, LA, beginning with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by visitation and a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. A private burial will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans.

"Do not worry about anything, but present your needs to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7