Evangeline Molero Vavrick

Evangeline Molero Vavrick entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the age of 84. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, she is survived by her beloved daughter, Evangeline Ann Vavrick, to whom she devoted her entire life. Daughter of the late Anthony Molero Sr. and Victoria Angelina Lopez Molero. She is survived by her sister, Emily Molero Jastram, and predeceased by siblings, Valentino Molero, Anthony Molero, Jr., and Camille Molero Silva. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her daughter's friends, all of whom she adopted and who referred to her as ""Mother"". Evangeline was educated by the Marianites of the Holy Cross and graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels in 1950. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Loyola University in 1954 and began a ten-year teaching career in the Orleans Public School System. She interrupted her teaching career to serve two years as Dean of Women at Loyola. While Dean she earned her Master's Degree in Education in 1960 and returned to teaching. Urged by her father, Evangeline enrolled in night classes at Loyola Law School. She obtained her Juris Doctor in 1964 and began practicing law at the Law Offices of Brumfield and Organ. In 1975 Evangeline was associated with Jerome P. Halford with whom she practiced until his death in 2002. She then proudly practiced law with her daughter for the remainder of her life. Evangeline had a deep passion for the law and professionalism, which was evident to everyone who encountered her during a legal career that spanned more than 50 years. She likewise had a profound commitment to her clients for whom she zealously advocated, many of whom became lifelong friends. Evangeline mentored many young men and ladies on their journey to becoming lawyers themselves all of whom became her ""legal"" children. Evangeline was deeply committed to Loyola. She served as President of the Loyola Law School Alumni Association, was Chairperson of the Law School Visiting Committee, and was the 1996 St. Ives' Award recipient. Evangeline learned from her parents, the Marianites and the Jesuits the true meaning of generosity, and lived her life by the motto: ""It is better to give than to receive."" She had a deep connection to her Catholic faith. She was a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She gave much of her time to charitable organizations such as the Archbishop's Community Appeal, Catholic Charities and The Jesuits of the Central and Southern Province, to name but a few. She was a member of many professional organizations, too numerous to mention, but the one most near and dear to her heart was the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyer's Association, for which she served for over 50 years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 11 a.m. Visitation begins at 8 a.m. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com