Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Leah Cohen Early

About

Redemptorist High School

Leah Early Obituary

EARLY Leah Cohen Early, beloved wife, mother, friend of many, and a longtime community activist who worked for numerous charitable programs of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, died Monday at her home surrounded by her family and love. She was 90. Mrs. Early, a homemaker and mother of 11, volunteered throughout her life to work with elderly people and with unwed mothers, many of whom were invited to live in her Mid-City home for months at a time during their pregnancies. In 1961, she was awarded the Regina Matrum Award as the mother of the year by the Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs. She served as an ombudsman for senior citizens living at Bethany Home, visiting weekly bearing food and gifts. She was devoted to St. Ann and a driving force behind the restoration and upkeep of the St. Ann Shrine on Ursulines Avenue. Born and raised in the Irish Channel, Mrs. Early graduated from Redemptorist High School. She was active in the local chapter of the Save the Children adoption program and was a member of the Missionaries of St. Therese Circle 16, which raises money for students at rural schools. She also was a longtime member of the St. Anthony of Padua Mothers Club and the St. Pius X Mothers Club, which honored her about 10 years ago as its longest-serving member. Survivors include her husband, J. Michael Early, former president and general manager of WWL-TV; four sons, Mike, Robert, Thomas and Brian Early; six daughters, Leah Held, Maureen Dehon, Colleen Hoover, Therese Larrabee, Kathleen DeVaughn and Patricia Laird; two sisters, Catherine Loria and Lucille Robinson; 30 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin Marion Early. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery No.1, entrance on Canal Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Leah Early Memorial Scholarship Fund for St. Anthony of Padua School, New Orleans, c/o 1220 North Lopez Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune on Feb. 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Leah Early

21 Entries

Sr. Rose Bowen

February 27, 2006

Dear Leah and Family,

Iwant you to know that I have prayed for your mother (although I'm sure that she is the one praying for us) and your family.

I was distressed that I couldn't get to her funeral because I was moving , and I had to have the house ready for the movers who were ready to come at that time.

Your mother was such a joy to visit with when she came with your father to Rosaryville. Her stories

about your family and her way with you all were inspirational and delightful. How fortunate you are to have had her with you for such a long time.

My special condolences and prayers for your father. May God bless your family.

Love,

Sr. Rose Bowen, O.P.

Sister Dorothy, O.P. Dawes

February 24, 2006

Dear Leah Ann, Michael, (Bobby, Maureen, Colleen, and all the Earlys whom I remember at St. Anthony's when we were all very young, and I was "Sister Mary Luke.") I remember your mom with so much admiration. She was always there for you all, and for us all. I believe she will intercede with God the Father, with his Son Jesus, with Mother Mary and all your patron saints for all the help we need in these trying times. If anyone has a direct line, I reckon she has.

I was not able to be at the funeral, but my heart was and is with you all. All blessings to you and yours, especially to your Dad.

Sister D.

Reldon & Karen Barre

February 24, 2006

Christ Peace and Love to all of the Early Family.

Love Reldon and Karen Barre

Bill and Marie Heller

February 19, 2006

To the Early Family,We wish to express our condolences on the death of Miss Leah. We will miss her beautiful smile and heart, and cherish many memories from Cleveland Avenue. May God Bless all of the family. Love, Bill and Marie Heller

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

evelyn wirstrom

February 15, 2006

Dear Brian, Charlene, and the entire Early family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Big Mama". My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

William (Mickey) Russell

February 14, 2006

Mr. Mike,

I just learned of Mrs. Early's death. She was one of God's gifts to us here on earth. Please email me, so I can visit with you when in N.O.

"Silk"

Anna Haskins Bienvenu

February 10, 2006

To the Early Family

My earliest memories include the Early family and your matriarch (my mom's cousin), Leah. The entire Early family is in my prayers.

Anna Haskins Bienvenu

daughter of Freda Heffron Haskins

bernice stover

February 10, 2006

To Mike Early and family,I am a neighbor at 4198 Dumaine St. Your wife was a beautiful person,I used to wait on her at harrys ace hardware and we had coffie at her home a couple of times. I was sorry I WAS unable to attend the service I was ill with a bad cold. Please accept my condolences,she will be greatly missed by everone whose lives she touched.

Maureen & John Maggiore

February 10, 2006

Our sympathy to your family on the loss of someone so special. You are all in our prayers.

Nellie Mulligan

February 10, 2006

I knew Leah for quite some time. She was a wonderful person and so kind to everyone. I know she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is in a special place now because of her life of love.

Zeph and Andrea Jensen

February 9, 2006

Dear Bobby and the Early Family,

Our deepest sympathies on the the passing of your mother. She was a lovely and caring person.

Andrea and Zeph Jensen

Norman O'Neal, S.J.

February 9, 2006

Though I was there for the wake, I did not get a chance to sign the guest book. I will remember Mrs. Early in my Masses and prayers. The turn out for the wake and funeral showed how much she was thought of by people in New Orleans.

Jeff Jones

February 9, 2006

To the Early Family: Sally and I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to the entire Early Family, and particularly to our dear friends, Kathleen and Mac, at this most difficult time. May Almighty God bless you all this day and always.

Rita Sanchez Pavur

February 9, 2006

Leah was a beautiful person and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Laura Brown

February 9, 2006

Collen and Family,

My prayers are with you and your family may God Bless and strengthen you.

Cingular Wireless

walter floyd jr.

February 9, 2006

My friend Bob: Our sympathy goes to you and your family..ya know a Mom and Dad is one thing you only get one of in this Life time..You love them dearly when they are with you and never realize how much they will be missed when they are gone... Our prayers are with you and yours...

GERRY KEENAN

February 9, 2006

TO THE EARLY FAMILY, I extend sincere condolences to you on behalf of the entire Keenan family. Our mothers and families were very good friends during the "St. Anthony days" and I'm sure Lois and Leah are doing some reminiscing as I type this. A special note to Bobby. My brother Johnny passed away last week. No funeral was held, but a Memorial service is planned for March 7 at 7:00p.m. at the Cenacle Retreat House in Metairie.

Jodi Archer

February 9, 2006

Colleen and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your (and your family's) loss. Please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Be comforted in knowing that your mother is now in a beautiful place surrounded by an abundance of love.

James McCann

February 9, 2006

The heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers of the McCann family are extended to the entire Early family during this time of loss. May she rest in peace.

sr, Rose Elaine,SSND

February 9, 2006

Dear Mr. Early,

I am saddened to learn about your dear wife's death. She certainly was a model wife, mother, and grandmother.

I regret that I could not attend the funeral.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Sister Rose Elaine, SSND

Richard & Pam Dietz

February 9, 2006

Leah, please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing of your Mother. She was indeed a sweet and

wonderful person. We know she is now in a better place.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results