Maria Andrea Vides-Neesley

Maria Andrea Vides-Neesley passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at the age of 65. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of River Ridge. Andrea was a remarkable person who did not believe in allowing her handicap to define her. Injured in a vehicle accident at a very early age, she spent most of her youth in and out of Children's Hospital. She was brought up by her wonderful mother, Consuelo, to not make excuses and be independent. This was decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act. She walked with braces and crutches until middle school, when her scoliosis forced her into a wheelchair. When her family moved to Metairie, she was initially told she could not attend the area public high school. Andrea and her mother pushed back and she graduated three years later. She attended the University of New Orleans receiving an art history degree. She also met her husband, Alan, at UNO through her friend Kenyatta. She started work at J C Penney as a data entry clerk. She drove herself to work, transferring from her wheelchair to her car and putting the chair in the back seat. Later she used a chair topper device to fold the wheelchair and place it on top of the car. She was recognized as an outstanding employee on many occasions. She retired from this career and began a new career as mother to daughter Emily. She managed her six month old baby with a broken leg propped up on a pillow strapped to her wheelchair. As Emily grew older, Andrea found a calling teaching art at both Memorial Baptist School and Atonement Lutheran School (with sister-in-law, Carolyn Compagno, the Librarian). Andrea had a tremendous influence on her students with many going to NOCCA and pursuing careers in art. Andrea battled and beat breast cancer twice and survived a massive blood clot in her leg. She was active at Metairie Baptist Church, and influenced many people with her bright cheerful, positive outlook on life. She is with her mom, mother-in-law, father-in-law and good friend Kathie in heaven, but will be missed by her many friends and family. Loving wife of 33 years to Alan Roy Neesley. Caring mother of Emily Jean Neesley. Daughter of Carlos Manuel Vides and the late Maria Consuelo Vides. Daughter in law of the late Nancy Rives Neesley and the late Leroy Elton Neesley. Sister of Aura Manuela Vides, Dr. Carlos Manuel Vides, Jr., Dalton Guillermo Vides, Elizabeth Mary Astorga (George), Norma Consuelo Giron. Sister in law of Barbara Neesley Waters (Norman), Rev. Stephen Neesley (Glenda), Philip Neesley (Althea), Carolyn Neesley Compagno (Nick), Rev. John Neesley (Bobbye), and the late Gloria Neesley Noppe. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Benjamin Waters (Julie), Bonnie Hubbard (Cody), Jill Leo (Kory), Amy Penfield (Kyle), Christopher Neesley, Kathleen Graythen (Christopher), Natalie Kidwell (Austen), Andrew Neesley, Debbie Noppe Crofts (Scott), Matthew Vides, and Dustin Vides. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Metairie Baptist Church, 401 Codifer Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.