Mary Elizabeth Kuchler

Mary Elizabeth Kuchler, R.N., age 77, succumbed peacefully to cancer on October 16, 2019, while under hospice care in the comfort of her home. A native of New Orleans’ Lakeview neighborhood, Mary Beth was born in Baptist Hospital and was the daughter of the late Joseph A. Kuchler and Genevieve Frolich Kuchler and also was predeceased by her elder sisters, Catherine Ann Kuchler Sicard (Bob) and Genevieve Kuchler. She was the beloved sister of Raphael J. Kuchler (Bonnie), and Joseph A. Kuchler. Mary Beth remained single but gave a lifetime of joyous love and support to an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her deepest personal friends from her nursing career are Clare Altmann Madere, R.N. and the late Mary Ann Gianfala Siciliano, R.N. (and daughters Alaina Siciliano and Giani Geer). Her physician, internist Cathi Fontenot, MD, was both healer and friend for many years.

Mary Beth attended St. Dominic School and graduated in 1960 from Mount Carmel Academy, where she was named senior class athlete. Her nursing vocation began at the Hotel Dieu School of Nursing. Following graduation in 1963 she achieved certification as a registered nurse.

During nearly 50 years in nursing, Mary Beth worked in Hotel Dieu Hospital, West Jefferson Hospital’s emergency department, Charity Hospital’s orthopedic clinic, and LSU’s orthopedic clinic, where she held a supervisory position.

Dubbed by her family “the world’s oldest teenager,” Mary Beth loved listening to and dancing to rock oldies, particularly Motown classics. She also dearly loved dogs whom she adopted from the animal shelter. If dogs go to heaven, Daisy, Annie, and Lulu, with tails wagging, will eagerly greet Mary Beth. We did not expect to lose her so soon.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, on Monday, August 16, 2021, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment of ashes will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. 

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