Palma Ernst

Palma S. Ernst, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at the age of 84 in Kenner, Louisiana. Born on September 2, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was the cherished daughter of the late John W. Smith and Estelle Smith. Palma's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and the simple joys that make a life well-lived.

Palma's early years in New Orleans laid the foundation for a life filled with warmth and generosity. She shared an unbreakable bond with her sister, Linda McCrary, and together they navigated the symphony of life. Though her son David Ernst, brother Billy Smith, and her former husband Weldon F. Ernst have predeceased her, their memories remained a cherished part of her story.

Her legacy is lovingly carried on by her three devoted children, Laura Pennington, Lisa Schmid, and Derrick Ernst, who were the center of her world, as well as their spouses, Billy, Karl, and Lisa. Palma's role as a mother was her greatest joy and accomplishment. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them the values of love, kindness, and thoughtfulness that defined her own life.

Palma's six grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, David, Rachel, Jacob, and Maia, and her great-granddaughter, Alice Pennington, were her pride and joy. She delighted in their achievements and adventures, always offering a listening ear, wise advice, and a comforting hug. Her love extended to her nieces, nephews, and the entire family, enveloping them in the warmth of her affection.

A woman of many interests, Palma's life was rich with the joys of music, literature, and the arts. Her fingers danced across piano keys, filling her home with melodies that echoed her own harmonious spirit. An avid reader, she traveled through pages to distant lands and times, her imagination as boundless as her curiosity. Her love for the cinema, particularly classic movies, was a passion she joyfully shared with others.

Palma's adventurous spirit was reflected in her love for travel, exploring new places, and collecting memories along the way. Her coin collection was a treasure trove of stories, each piece a memento from her journeys or a gift from loved ones. A diehard fan of the Saints Football team, she cheered with fervor and unwavering loyalty, her spirit as indomitable as the team she supported.

Her passion for genealogy was more than a hobby; it was a bridge to the past, connecting generations. Palma's research into her family's history was a labor of love, preserving the legacy and stories of those who came before her.

Palma's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. She was a guiding light to all who knew her, a woman who embraced life with joy and grace. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by the many lives she touched.

As we bid farewell to Palma S. Ernst, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the enduring impact she leaves behind. Her spirit, a gentle whisper in the wind, continues to inspire and guide us. Though she has departed from this earthly realm, her love remains, a never-ending melody that resonates in the hearts of her family and friends.