Josephine "Vera" Sierra

Josephine “Vera” Diffort Sierra, entered into eternal rest on the afternoon of Friday, September 29, 2017, her devoted daughter by her side. She was 82 years young, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a resident of Metairie, Louisiana. She was the only child and cherished daughter of the late Arthur Leo Diffort (1913 – 1979) and Josephine “Vera” Rispoli Diffort (1915 – 1997). For 41 years, “Vera” was the devoted and beloved wife of the late Carl Joseph Sierra (1933 – 1993). She is survived by her only child, daughter Charlotte Vera Sierra, her only grandchild, granddaughter Brandi Lynn King Prestenbach (Aaron Paul) and only great-grandchild, great-granddaughter Anya Lynn Prestenbach, her “girls”. She will be sadly missed by her son-in-law, Godchildren, sister-in-laws, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, and her special and endeared friend of 22 years, George Patrick Cooke.

Her love of dancing touched many throughout her life and was passed on to her “girls”. After years of lessons, she taught tap, jazz and ballet. Additionally, she and her late husband, Carl, performed beautiful adagio routines from the time they met. After 15 years, a knee injury brought these activities to an end, but social dancing remained a big part of her life. She also accompanied her husband from the inception of his business, P & S Diesel Service, Inc., in 1960, where she and the family worked. Even after his death in 1993, the company was family-managed until sold in 2007.

Life in the Sierra home was robust and loving, guided by the importance of family and responsibility. Activities were many, including dancing, bowling, boating, deep sea fishing, skeet shooting, crafts, sewing, cooking great food, picnics, parties and a revolving door of pets, family and friends. As Christmas was her favorite holiday, she gave the department stores a run for their money when it came to decorations. Home was a magical wonderland to enter, thanks to her imagination and creativity.

Mrs. Sierra (Ma, Grams, GiGi, Nan, Lil’ Vera, Aunt Vera, Sweet Vera, Charming Vera, “Miss” Vera) will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her, for she was a great and caring lady.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10:00AM. A Funeral Mass will follow in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie at noon. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.