Barbara Jean Ascani

1933 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved MawMaw, Barbara Jean Harvey Ascani on the morning of July 20, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 91. MawMaw lived a happy and full life with her greatest joy being her family. Barbara was born on June 15, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Horace Hale Harvey II and Florence Krueger Harvey. Her family relocated to Covington, Louisiana, where they opened their family business, Harvey's House, the local hangout on weekends. It was known for its great atmosphere, skating rink and soda fountain. Barbara spent many of her teen years working there as a "soda jerk" and was known for her famous malts. After graduating from Covington High School, she went on to study at LSU where she met her late ex-husband Anthony Nick Ascani. They lived in New Orleans briefly and after a short residence in Knoxville, Tennessee, Barbara and her family eventually returned to Louisiana, first living in Baton Rouge and then settling in Metairie. They had two daughters, Florence and JoAnn. Barbara was first a homemaker and then went on to work at the Metairie YMCA. She then picked up housekeeping and caretaking, eventually retiring from the YMCA. When she wasn't working or caring for her grandchildren, she could be found gardening. Whether it be at their summer family home in Bay St. Louis, MS or in Metairie, Barbara's yard and gardens were always beautiful, once winning garden of the month. Her plants brought her much joy and fulfillment. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed traveling, it didn't matter where or when, she was always ready for the next adventure with her family. Her most cherished memories were made in Navarre Beach with her loved ones. She loved to comb the beach searching for shells and other treasures for hours on end. Barbara, MawMaw, leaves behind her brother, Dr. Horace Hale Harvey III, her daughters Florence Ascani Odom (Bill) and JoAnn Ascani Freeling. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Robert Freeling Jr. (Laurie), Nicole Freeling, Casey Odom (Meghan), Jennifer Freeling, Ryan Freeling (Kassi) and Carlee Flores (Zenen); her10 great grandchildren: Gabriel, Jaylen, Addison, Broden, Olivia, Chloe, Knox, Jaida, Krew, and Layla; her nieces and nephew: Cathy Rainer Ganucheau, Donna Rainer, Kate Harvey, Russel Harvey, Gary Ascani, Brian Altobello, Roy Altobello and Nina Welch. Barbara was proceeded in death by her sister, Patricia Harvey Rainer, her parents Horace Hale Harvey II and Florence Krueger Harvey, and her sisters in law: Rose Ascani Suarez and Theresa Ascani Altobello; as well as her nephews: Armond Suarez, Ronald Suarez and Lee Ascani. Services will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 1921 West Metairie Avenue, Metairie, LA on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11:00 followed by a Funeral Mass that will commence at 11:00 a.m. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.