Geraldine 'Gerri' Sandifer LaFleur

Geraldine "Gerri" Sandifer LaFleur, age 93, died Wednesday February 10, 2016. Wife of the late Joseph D. LaFleur, mother of Michael LaFleur, mother-in-law of Lynda Macloud LaFleur, grandmother of Robert LaFleur (Gina) and Lee LaFleur (Erin), great grandmother of Brady and Abigail. She was born on April 9, 1922 in rural North Louisiana near the town of Rayville, the eighth of eleven children born to sharecropper parents. Electricity and running water would become available to them later. Not tall enough to see over the miles of cotton fields surrounding them, they learned to pick cotton as soon as they could drag a cotton sack. They didn't know theirs was to become known as "The Greatest Generation". That Spartan and humble beginning had a 100% success rate, producing eleven responsible and productive members of that Greatest Generation. She graduated from Mangham High School and joined an older brother and his wife stationed in New Orleans. Immediately, she enrolled in Augustin Business College, earning secretarial certification when options were few, and became employed by The U.S. Weather Bureau. A career change to homemaker came about with her transition to devoted wife and mother. That career produced many hats to wear as a volunteer in the family's participation in neighborhood, school and church activities. She enjoyed forty-five years as an active member of Gentilly Baptist Church, followed by fifteen years at Metairie Baptist Church. Fitness was always a priority for her, participating in a calisthenics regimen, yoga, ladies daytime bowling, gardening, and walking. She regretted never being able to swim. Gerri will be sadly missed. She is also survived by two younger sisters, Sue Marie Weston (Roy) of Mangham LA and Virtner Lee Phillips of Rayville LA. Preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Lee and Etta Pittman Sandifer, her husband J.D., and siblings Gladys Gage, Cleo Roberts, Robert, Gus, Gove, Jack, Ralph and Ray Sandifer. The family is profoundly grateful to the nursing staff and all supporting staff of St. Anna's At Lambeth House. Their attention and care since 2012 made the final chapter of Gerri's life as pleasant as possible. The same gratitude is also extended to the wonderful services of Guardian Angel Hospice for the last 14 months. Attention to her needs by both St. Anna's and Guardian Angel benefited not only Mrs. LaFleur, but her family's comfort as well. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.