Surrounded by her loving family, the Majoria family’s matriarch, Leona Majoria, died as she lived – “at peace with a smile on her face.”
As the fourth son of six children, Barry Majoria described his mother as “the kindest, most generous person you ever wanted to meet.”
Leona died on Feb. 20, just two days before her 94th birthday. She is a native of Napoleonville and resident of Luling for the last 44 years.
She and her husband, Murphy, started Majoria’s Grocery Store. Murphy died in May of 2006. The couple began their business in Kenner, moved to Pecan Grove in Westwego and then settled in Boutte when the location became available in 1963.
“She never met a stranger,” said Barry, fighting back tears. “She had a great personality and saw the good in everyone.”
Barry said she was a faithful, devout Catholic as a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
“She just lived her life to the fullest,” he said.
As to the secret of her longevity, he recounted his mother saying, “Drink wine,” but clarified she drank recreationally.
Her philosophy about life may have been the source of her youthfulness.
On a chalkboard she kept in her kitchen were the words, “Live a long life but don’t get old.”
Still lively and aware at age 93, Leona did live life to its fullest.
She was an accomplished artist who won awards for her paintings, which were displayed for many years on Royal Street in New Orleans, as well as sold to national and international collectors. She was also a member of the St. Charles Art Guild for many years.
She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to dance and enjoyed traveling, especially with the Sisters on the Fly.
Leona’s house was lively with family get-togethers, which Barry said they will continue doing in their tradition of food and family.
“We were always over there,” Barry said.
They did it out of love, but also in memory of their father whose parting words were, “Take care of your mother.” They all took turns keeping an eye on her and kept her involved with family because, “That’s what she deserved.”
He lived two houses down from her and his sister next door, which he said was his dad’s doing.
“She was definitely the matriarch,” Barry said. “Whatever momma wanted, momma got.”
Be the first to comment