Mary Virginia Brennan Prouet

"MaeMae" was born in New Orleans and, in many ways, embodied the cultural richness that would imply. From an early age, MaeMae gravitated toward the arts, particularly drawing and painting. A prolific artist, she studied with Frederick Guess Gallery while living in the French Quarter post-Katrina, having several of her works featured and sold there during White Linen and Dirty Linen night events. Her works are in many private collections.
Mary was also drawn to performance and was active in theatre starting at Mother Cabrini High School. She went on to study theatre at UNO and eventually landed in the film industry. As a pioneer in the early days of Hollywood South, MaeMae helped launch the careers of many young actors/models through her work with the Artists' Representatives Agency. She also appeared in films like JFK as well as national commercials.
Her love of artistic splendor really flourished in the world of her beloved Carnival and her participation began early. Mary loved a good tableau! She was a maid in the Krewe of Omardz and enjoyed years of Krewe of Bacchus festivities with her husband, Paul.
But her gifts reached beyond artistic pursuits. Mary was also good with "numbers" and excelled in the world of finance. As a Finance Manager – first for a bank and then several automobile dealerships – she was honored as one of the "Top Women in the Auto Business" by a local publication. She brought these skills – and more - to her family's business, Brennan Brothers, Inc., where she served in administration, reception and performed secretarial duties as well.
MaeMae was a survivor. She beat inoperable Stage 4 lung cancer in the 1990s and was awarded the Cancer Crusader Award in 2009. Her inspiring story of survival was featured in magazines and on billboards. Mary volunteered with the Cancer Hotline to share education, hope, and encouragement with patients and families.
Above all, Mary cherished her Irish-French heritage and family. She even assembled a book about her Kirwin roots, going all the way back to Ireland. MaeMae is survived by husband, Paul Etienne Prouet, Sr., children Yvette Narcile Prouet and Dr. Paul E. Prouet, Jr. (Dina) as well as her siblings Terry Brennan (Lorrie), Tim Brennan, and Maureen Brennan McConnell (John). Her memory will be cherished by grandchildren Including David Paul Prouet, Connor Prouet, Piper Prouet, and Brock Prouet as well as her nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:30am, in front of the family tomb, 38 Walnut, between Magnolia and Hawthorne.