Mary Helen Williams "Ketsy" Schiro

Mary "Ketsy" Helen Williams Schiro, 94, was called to eternal communion with God on Friday, February 3, 2023. She died peacefully in her home in Covington, LA with members of her beloved family by her side. Mary was born on January 19, 1929, in Reserve, LA to parents Athanas Eliase Williams and Bertha Maus Williams. Her mother passed when she was a young girl, and her loving aunt Bridget Williams Duhe helped raise her on the family farm. Mary was instilled with the values of unwavering faith in God, hard work, and family solidarity. She spent her early years attending school, working on the farm, and supporting her father at his Esso service station on River Road. It was there where Mary and her brothers, sisters and cousins formed inseparable bonds with one another that lasted throughout their lives. Mary was married to her loving husband, Anthony Schiro Jr. on August 15, 1945. The two spent 53 years together at their home in Gentilly, New Orleans, LA where they raised a beautiful family of six sons in the Catholic faith. With a strong sense of accomplishment in her life's vocations, Mary contributed to the wartime production efforts of WWII at Consolidated Aircraft and proudly served in various roles at Owens-Illinois, All-Star Electric, and many others. In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, Mary moved to Covington, LA to live closer to her family where she became a devout member of St. Peter Catholic Church. From there, she served as a constant source of strength and wisdom for all. Her door was always open to anyone in need of her love and support. Her passions included working in her garden, keeping her boys in line, and cooking delicious meals for her family – especially her world-famous lasagna, but she loved most of all to share in the company of her loved ones. Every evening, she was eager to hear all about their day. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings Betty Williams Deem (Jack), Athanas "Boy" Otere Williams, Jr. (Anne), Earl "Sonny" John Williams (Mary), James Jake Williams (Leanna); brother-in-law Jacob John Schiro, Sr. (Carmen); sister-in-law Sarah Schiro Curtis (Richard); children Richard A. Schiro Ph.D., CDR., NOAA (survived by Noel Schiro Bitner), Merrill R. Schiro, Sr. (survived by Elaine S. Schiro); and great-granddaughter Katelyn Marie Schiro. Mary is survived by her children Donald M. Schiro (Ellen), Craig S. Schiro, Sr. (Sheryl), Anthony Schiro III (Tara), Troy J. Schiro (Amanda); daughter-in-law Richelle Hart; grandchildren Dr. Richelle Schiro Anger (Tim), Tabitha Schiro CAPT., USCGR (Mike Frawley, CAPT., USCG), Merrill R. Schiro, Jr. (Nedra), Faith R. Schiro, Dr. Brian J. Schiro (Kenia), Dr. Courtney Schiro, Craig S. Schiro, Jr. (Jennifer), Stacey Schiro Wilson, Timothy R. Schiro, Valerie T. Schiro, Peyton M. Schiro DEP., JPSO, Victoria R. Schiro, Kaitlin Languirand, and Chase Spencer; as well as her 18 treasured great-grandchildren and other young family members. Relatives, friends, and well-wishers are encouraged to attend a visitation at St. Peter Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th St., Covington, LA on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will then be held at Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception at Mandina's Restaurant, 3800 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations to be made to your desired organization or charity. The Schiro family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.