Corinne Gelpi "Coco" Bendernagel

1963 - 2024

Corinne "Coco" Gelpi Bendernagel passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 60 after bravely battling cancer. Coco was born in New Orleans on October 21, 1963, to Chester Philip and Mary Alice "Lally" Bassich Gelpi. She is predeceased by her parents and stepmothers, Joyce P. O'Connor and Elaine M. Gelpi. Coco is survived by her husband, John Edmond Bendernagel, and son, John Gelpi Bendernagel; her siblings Lally Jurcik (Al), Lisa Rapier (Ed), Chester Gelpi, Jr. (Mary), and Beau Gelpi (Peggy); her nieces and nephews Elizabeth Jurcik, Edward Rapier (Katie), Corinne Rapier, Rebecca Mulhearn (Sean), Celeste Soltis (Kenneth), and Gerard Sonnier, Jr.; her sisters-in-law Jan Sonnier and Mary "Eesie" Pellessier; her stepsister Flora Eustis Nelms (David) and her step-niece Katherine Byrd (David). Coco attended Holy Name of Jesus School and Mercy Academy where she cultivated a broad circle of friends, a strong religious faith, and a deep conviction about helping others. Together these strengths propelled her through LSU Medical Center where she earned a BS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Auburn University where she earned a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling. She was a Certified Case Manager, Rehabilitation Counselor, and Licensed Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and had many professional affiliations. Coco devoted her passion and skills to a series of jobs in the medical field including program Coordinator of Touro Infirmary's Neurological Rehabilitation Center, Rehabilitation Case Manager and Director of Customer Relations at Younger and Associates, and eventually as a Physician Liaison at Children's Hospital. Coco gave generously of her time to Holy Name of Jesus School, Jesuit High School and Children's Hospital New Orleans. Coco and John married on April 24, 1999. They were blessed with a son, John, who became the center of their life and brought them untold joy. Coco relished being "little John's" mother and together John and Coco gave him the guidance to become a thoughtful and accomplished gentleman. Coco's in-laws, Mary Ann and Chick, loved her like a daughter and were extremely proud of her. She loved her family and was grateful for the many holidays and special occasions they celebrated together often providing the inspiration for gatherings. Coco projected boundless energy and was the eternal optimist. She loved her work so much that she could not wait to begin each day. Her days off were bonus opportunities to help others and any challenges she encountered just emboldened her resolve. Throughout her illness she continued to work, whenever she was able, using her extensive network of medical contacts and knowledge of insurance and hospital practices to provide guidance to others with medical challenges. Coco treated everyone with genuine kindness. Her generous spirit evoked an overwhelming outpouring of love that was demonstrated through prayers, visits, meals, flowers and so much more. All who knew Coco can attest to the fact that she made everyone a better person. Coco was very much loved and will be greatly missed. Sincere thanks to the staff at Touro Hospital and Passages Hospice for their care and support for Coco through her prolonged illness. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline St., New Orleans, LA 70125. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Donations can be made in her honor to Children's Hospital New Orleans or the charity of your choice. Private interment will follow the Mass in Metairie Cemetery. The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.