Joyce Mary Cavanagh Gras

GRAS Joyce Mary Cavanagh Gras, age 83, died on December 7, 2012, from complications of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Wife for 60 years of the late Charles W. Gras, Jr.; Daughter of the late Henry and Emily Potier Cavanagh; Step-daughter of the late Vera Ybarzabal Geisler Cavanagh; Sister of the late Brig. Gen. Henry J. and Audrey Marks Cavanagh Jr., Iris Cavanagh and the late Raymond J. Verdun, and Westley and Heather Cavanagh; Mother of Charles W. "Chuck" Gras, III (Doris Newman), Michael (Francoise) Gras, Fabian Gras (Frederick) Martinez and Kathleen Gras; Grandmother of Kahra Martinez (Lance) Brown, Kirstin Martinez (Clay) Achee, Kelsey Gras Martinez (Ryan Hales) Jonathan (Allison) Gras, David Gras ( Tara Pandya), Dominique Gras (Robert Feddersen) and Kaelan C. Gras; Great-grandmother of four with one more on the way. She was also beloved, and will be fondly remembered, by not only nieces, nephews and other relatives but dear friends that she considered family. Joyce was a native New Orleanian who survived Hurricane Katrina and subsequently moved to Houma where she enjoyed working in her garden and admiring it from her sunroom. She was a 1945 graduate of John McDonogh High School and looked forward to their annual reunion dinners. For many years, Joyce worked in the electrical contracting business. During that time, she proudly served a term as treasurer for the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. In 1987, at the age of 58, she changed careers, returned to school and graduated salutation from the Delgado School of Nursing. Joyce worked until retirement at Maison Orleans II Nursing Home where she was, deservedly, the sole recipient of the "Nurse of the Year" and "The Mariah" awards. Joyce was never afraid of hard work. In the course of her life, she was also a poet, artist, waitress, secretary, den mother, sheet rocker, foster parent, chauffeur, laundress, ball player, bowler, bamboo wrangler, dog lover, cat tolerator and according to her husband, "the prettiest dance hall girl in the Yukon." Joyce loved God, her country, her New Orleans Saints, her Irish heritage and her coffee. At her request, no services were held. Samart Funeral Home of Houma, L.L.C. was in charge of arrangements. In honor of Joyce and in lieu of cards or flowers, please plant your own garden, feed the birds in your backyard, wave to your neighbors, be kind to animals, make amends, extend forgiveness, rock your babies, cross that bridge when you come to it, always kiss your loved ones goodnight, live by the Golden Rule, take care of yourself, and remember to schedule a colonoscopy.