Patty Jean Wallace Massara

1947 - 2022

Patty Jean Wallace Massara passed away on May 19 2022 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Omaha NE on November 8 1947 to Orville and Harriet Willojene Wallace. She was the oldest of their five children, and grew up in Omaha enjoying her large family, camping trips to Fremont, and an active social life. She met her husband, Frank Massara at Benson High School, and he subsequently charmed her into marriage during their first year of college. They soon welcomed their first daughter, Cynthia Hope Massara. After a successful career trajectory, Frank and Patty moved their young family to Louisiana – much to the bewilderment of their family in Nebraska. Patty proved her ability to fit in with the locals when, during her first Mardi Gras parade, she stuck a giant novelty toothbrush in her bra and caught the most attention and throws of anyone on the route. They lived in several cities in Louisiana: Bucktown, Lafayette, and Slidell before settling in Mandeville in 1977. In Mandeville Patty and Frank welcomed their second child, Angelina Elizabeth Massara in 1979, much to the joy of the entire family. The Road to Omaha was trod well and often, with at least one trip a year to visit or relatives coming to stay and enjoy the exotic south. Patty was a homemaker and kept a well-admired vegetable plot and her rose garden was pilfered frequently. She was a prolific baker, and gifted cookie trays to friends and neighbors each holiday season. Her volunteer hours may be immeasurable, between PTA board positions, class sitters, Hospital Guild/Gift Shop, Bake Sales at OLL, or volunteering at the Parish Fair or other community events. One year she cooked 2 50-lb bags of rice for the Seafood Fest overnight when the organizers caught themselves short. While busy with her house and volunteering, she raised their two daughters (and an assorted parade of cats) with a firm but indulgent hand. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Frank Massara, her daughter Cynthia Blache (Mark), her daughter Angelina Ellis (Jeremy), grandchildren Shelby Blache, Bailey Blache, Thomas Ellis and Betsy Ellis all of whom were at her side during her final hours. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Allison Caruso and her brother William Wallace. She is survived by her sister Kathy Brown (Doug) and her brother Steve Wallace (Maria). She is also survived by her Brothers-in-law Kevin Massara (Iben), Jeff Massara (Chris) and Sister-in-law Maureen Hauschulz (Keith) and a slew of nieces and nephews. We struggle with our loss, and somehow laugh at the same time, remembering Patty and her particular spice for life. A private service will be held in July. If you would like to honor Patty, her wishes were for you to make a donation to your own favorite cause.