Brenda Ray Heffner

On Sunday, December 20, 2020 Brenda “Ganny” Ray Heffner, loving wife and mother of six children, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, at the age of 81. Brenda was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a resident of Metairie, Louisiana for most of her life.
Brenda is the daughter of the late William Joseph and Audrey Frady Ray. She was preceded in death by her husband William Joseph Heffner. She is the sister of William Joseph Ray, Jr. (Maizie), Deborah Ray Schrieffer (Harry), and Linda Ray Milazzo (Frank, deceased).

Brenda was an extremely kind and devoted mother who was proud of and deeply loved her six children, Ray J. Heffner (Renee), Kenneth A. Heffner (Margaret), Gary M. Heffner, William J. Heffner, Jr., Daniel P. Heffner (Carlos), Tara C. Mathis (Terry). She was the loving grandmother of 16 grandchildren, Ray, Jr., Rhett, Ryan, Ashley, Ross, Amy, Andrew, Brandy, Tonya, Holly, Brett, Joseph, Seth, Liam, Emma, and Delaney. Brenda was also the great-grandmother to 19 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kyler, Roman, Chance, Siena, Riley, Remy, Joy, William, Evelyn, Scarlett, Jaxson, Sutton, Katelynn, Kristin, Kellon, Keaton, Kaine, and Baylon. Brenda was also the great-great grandmother to Khamdon.

Brenda was married to the love of her life, her childhood sweetheart, for 33 years. She was a devoted stay at home mother for many years until she began working outside of the home after her husband passed away. She was then employed for several years by Baptist Hospital as an office administrator and later served as a nanny, helping other families raise their children.

Brenda supported anything and everything her kids were involved and interested in. She never said no to babysitting for her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. To put it simply, Brenda lived for her family! And family did not just mean her children and grandchildren. If anyone needed a place to stay or a home-cooked meal, he or she was always welcome at the Heffner home, where Brenda made everyone feel like a part of the family. She loved cooking elaborate meals on Sundays, a tradition that she carried on from the Heffner family. And if she knew someone had a favorite dish, she would always make sure to prepare it.

Brenda truly loved her country; you could always find her watching Fox News and sharing in political conversation with her family and friends. Her patriotism was contagious and many of her children and family members value her views as their own. She will live forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 309 Manson Ave, Metairie, LA on Saturday, December 26, 2020, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, please follow the current restrictions. Everyone attending is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.

 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Brenda Ray Heffner, please visit our Tree Store.