They recount same passion for work, children and being called ‘Mawmaw’ and ‘Momma Blue’
Cynthia Creecy and Wanda Blue had more in common than most people can ever imagine.They both worked as custodians at Destrehan High School, and both retired this year after 33 years with the same school system. And, yes, they live two streets away from each other in the same New Sarpy community.
The uncanny similarity doesn’t stop there.
They both appreciated their jobs, but especially loved being with the children.
“Most of the children knew me and called me ‘Mawmaw,’” Creecy said.
For Blue, the experience was the same.
“They called me ‘Momma Blue,’” she said. “I can’t say I worked well with others, but I enjoyed the kids. Without the kids, we wouldn’t have a job.”
The two women are not related yet they have walked a similar path of loving their work these many years.
Creecy recounted the many events like dance recitals and opening the school for voting that she handled as custodian.
Blue graduated from DHS, as well as worked there earlier as a student worker and then was hired as a custodian. Part of her success in the position came from her honestly enjoying the work of cleaning. She also noted that she liked current Principal Stephen Weber, but she loved former Principal Chipper Simon.
“It was like family,” she said. “I really loved him. I learned a lot from him.”
But, by far, the position’s appeal to Creecy was caring for the children, being the one they came to for advice or company when they were sick or needed personal things. Sometimes they needed snacks – and she had them to give. She’d sit with them when they donated blood and helped them get their pass to return to class, as well as accompanied them when they waited for parents to pick them up.
When they came to Blue, she encouraged them to listen to their parents.
“Kids of any color came to me,” she said. “We cared for each other the same. We got along good. I kind of miss them.”
Often, Creecy and Blue weren’t only custodians, they were caretakers.
“They were just like my own children,” Creecy said. “They would come and go as they graduated and then I would get a new set.”
She also helped the teachers when they needed assistance, and she was glad to do it.
“We all needed help,” Creecy recalled. “It was all just one big family.”
Blue recounted her typical start to the day beginning with her making coffee for the teachers. She opened the school, made sure it was clean from the night before and was ready for the day.
“It’s the same thing over and over,” she said. “I did it and I loved it.”
Creecy shared Blue’s passion for DHS.
There were times when her husband, Owen, even told Creecy the school was her home in Destrehan and that she was there every time something was going on. To that, she firmly replied, “That’s what I like.”
Creecy added it’s why her family calls her “Miss Destrehan.”
At age 57, Blue is contemplating good times in retirement with her husband, Barry Burton, and two children, Darrence and Christy Blue, as well as taking care of her own grandchildren.
“I love it,” she said. “I’m doing what I want.”
Creecy wasn’t really ready to leave DHS, although she’s also enjoying being with family, including Owen and her two daughters, Cabrina Clay and Dwyna Creecy, who also works at DHS as a custodian.
“It was lovely,” she said. “I didn’t want to leave, but it was time. I didn’t want to leave my children. I enjoyed working there. It was my home away from home.”
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