Mary Joycelyn Martin Frey

Mary Joycelyn Martin Frey, affectionately known as Gigi, passed away into God’s loving arms on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Aged 95 years. Beloved wife of the late Louis R. Frey. Mother of Alan Raymond Frey (Karen) and Keith Martin Frey (Becky). Daughter of the late Catherine Maguire Martin and Michael Thomas Martin. Sister of Carol M. Adams (Jimmy), and the late Thomas, James, Charles, Michael, and Brian Martin. Survived by Her Grandchildren Halley, Garrett, Hayden, Andrew and Michael Frey. Also second mother to Delly Davis and “Gigi” to Jeremy Davis and Lacey D. Clement. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A native of New Orleans, Joycelyn was a resident of Metairie, LA for the past 50 years. Joycelyn was born in New Orleans in 1924. She lived in Mid City for many years and always took great pride in her neighborhood. She graduated from Sacred Heart in Mid-City, where she met her best friend, Louise Gardenia Brandon. The two remained best friends for more than 80 years. Joycelyn had great pride in her family, her Irish heritage and her Catholic Faith. As the oldest of 7 children, she helped her parents raise her siblings and even contributed to their schooling. Her generosity knew no bounds. And so many people – family, friends and strangers alike - have stories about how she helped them in a time of need. An accomplished and award-winning novelist, Joycelyn wrote many novels and short stories. Her Novel “Catherine” was a finalist in the 2001 Golden Triangle Writers Guild Contest. Her Novels entitled “Bag Lady” and “Marie Laveau” were similarly awarded in following years. She was a member of the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America and served as that organization’s secretary.
In addition to her work as an author, Joycelyn also served as secretary for New Orleans Mayor Chep Morrison, was an executive secretary of the Communications Workers of America, a successful business owner and her favorite job, homemaker. After retirement from the workforce and upon completion of her job as homemaker, Joycelyn went back to school to continue her education at the University of New Orleans while in her 60s.
In her later years when she wasn’t writing, she spent much of her time being the matriarch of this large family. Nothing was more important to her than spending time with her grandchildren. She truly lived for them and cherished every moment she was able to spend with them. She also almost never missed a home game of her favorite team, the women’s basketball team of the Tulane University Green Wave.
Her family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers that made her last few years easier, including the staff at JenCare, St. Francis Villa and the Academy House.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the memorial visitation at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 4317 Richland Ave. at West Esplanade Ave., Metairie, La ., on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 9:30 AM until Noon followed by a Funeral Mass at Noon. Inurnment will immediately follow the Mass and will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd. New Orleans, La. 70124 is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making donations to Children’s Hospital New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 or online www.chnola.org/tribute
To view and sign the family guest register, please visit www.greenwoodfh.com .




 

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