Moate

Norma "Mary" O'Reilly Moate, age 80, was taken to the Lord's house peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 after suffering a massive stroke on Monday, Sept. 16, 2008.

She was born and raised in New Orleans and lived in Luling the last 34 years. She graduated from UNO with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and from LSU with a master of fine arts degree.  Mary truly loved being an artist and had a deep connection with the beauty in nature and shared that with others through her art. She won many awards with her art and taught numerous art workshops in south Louisiana.

Mary exhibited her art for many years at Anglade-Barthelemy Gallery on Royal Street. Mary helped run an art camp for children several summers that was funded by a grant that she co-authored.  She was an active member of the St. Charles Art Guild, First Union Presbyterian Church, St. Tammany Art Association, West Bank Art Association, a local stock club, bridge club, and book club.  She was a signature member of the Louisiana Watercolor Society. 

Mary is preceded in death by her husband George David Moate (April 22, 2004) and her parents; John O'Reilly and Norma Mock O'Reilly.  She is survived by her sister Patricia O'Reilly Scott (spouse John); her children; Dekki Moate, George Moate (spouse Sharon), Mary Jane Payne (spouse "Rocky"), Patricia Ellis, Michael Moate; grandchildren; Kathryn Ellis, Jon Ellis, Chelsey Payne, Corey Payne; Wisty Cruz, and Andrew Norris; and her cat CC.  

Family and friends were invited to a celebration of Mary's life and witness to the resurrection at First Union Presbyterian Church at 10 am on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 134 Lakewood Dr. in Luling.  Flowers or donations can be made to First Union Presbyterian Church.