Dr. Georgette Ioup

1940 - 2024

Dr. Georgette Ioup, 84, fell asleep in the Lord Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Georgette was born May 17, 1940, in Altoona, PA to parents Elias George and Angeline Ioup and has resided in New Orleans, LA for the past 39 years. She is survived by her son, Elias Z. K. Ioup (Sarah), grandchildren Layla and Zayd; daughter, Carole Mashamesh; brother, William E. Ioup; and sister-in-law, Juliette W. Ioup. She was preceded in death by her brother, George E. Ioup. She received a B.A. in Classical Languages from Wilson College in 1963, an M.A. in Linguistics from NYU in 1973, and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the CUNY Graduate Center in 1975. Dr. Ioup was a professor in the Department of English at the University of New Orleans from 1985 to 2007, when she retired and became Professor Emerita. She also held posts as Professor of Linguistics at the American University in Cairo, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington. Her primary research focus was Second Language Acquisition, in which she authored a number of publications and mentored numerous graduate students during the course of her career. Georgette was an active member of St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Guild and a long-time Sunday School teacher. She was a founder and leading member of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee chapter in New Orleans and a passionate advocate for justice in Palestine, including helping to found NOLA Palestine Solidarity (NOLAPS). Georgette had a boundless kindness and positivity, frequently remarked upon by her family and friends, even in the face of her numerous physical hardships late in life. She had an unwavering faith in God and the Orthodox Church that was an inspiration to those around her. Her intelligence and insight were well appreciated by all who knew her. She was also known for her generous spirit and was a constant supporter of charities for children and the poor. After she retired, Georgette donated her time toward tutoring academically struggling students in reading and math. Throughout her career and travels, she made and kept many lasting friendships that continued to be part of her life to the end. All who knew her would talk of their phone chats (and visits) with Georgette that provided them comfort, inspiration, and joy. A wake will be held at the Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, Friday, June 7, from 6-8 pm. On Saturday, June 8, there will be a visitation at St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church, 3916 Hudson St, Metairie at 10 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am. Interment will be at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, then returning to St. Basil for the mercy meal. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Basil (stbasilneworleans.org/memorium), United Palestinian Appeal (upaconnect.org), or Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org).