Mary Starita Obituary
New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service
"Celebrating Life"
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Daniel Gifford
January 24, 2026
CROSSED THE BAR: NOLA PLANS REP. MARY STARITA
Those who cycled through M.E.B.A.´s New Orleans Union hall at any time since the early 1980s will remember Plans Representative Mary Starita, who made sure members in the Big Easy stayed on a steady course with their benefits and plans. Mary laid down her watch on January 8, 2026 at the age of 73 following a six-month battle with cancer. She spent over 40 years with the M.E.B.A., and was a mainstay at the NOLA hall, working in 11 M.E.B.A. administrations including that of Jesse Calhoon who hired her in 1983. She lived in Metairie, Louisiana and retired in 2024.
Mary had one son, Vince, and a granddaughter, Ava, who she cherished. She had a love for all animals but especially felines, including her own cat Nivu. In her spare time and during retirement, Mary enjoyed creating seasonal wood crafts and was grateful for all the interactions and friendships with her M.E.B.A. family. Mary is well-remembered and missed.
James Sutton
January 22, 2026
Mary was always a ray of sunshine in the NOLA hall! She started around the same time that I started shipping out, with the ink still dripping off of my license! She was indeed a fun person to have around during some of the interesting times at the hall over many years! Fair winds and following seas!
Erin Oradesky
January 22, 2026
Mary was the heart of the New Orleans hall. Efficient, kind and lovely. I am saddened by her passing and my sympathy to her family.
DAVID GIFFORD
January 22, 2026
Hi, i am so sorry. Mary was a coworker with my Brother Dan Gifford at MEBA headquarters in New Orleans. Over the many years i visited Dan and when to work with him.
She was a caring and wonderful person who loved Dan´s dogs (as seen in the photos). She will be remembered! David Gifford
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Daniel Gifford
January 22, 2026
Daniel Gifford
January 22, 2026
To my fellow coworker may you rest in peace.
Dan Gifford
M.I. Mallini
January 20, 2026
My Deepest Condolences with Deep Respect.
M.I. Moose Mallini
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9200 I-10 Service Rd, New Orleans, LA 70127
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