Eugenie “Adelaide” Wise, 87, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Adelaide was born on June 17, 1934 in Morgan City, the daughter of Leonard Charles Wise and Catherine Pennington Wise. Adelaide was a proud resident of downtown Morgan City.
Adelaide was a graduate of The Academy of the Sacred Heart of Morgan City and St. Mary’s Dominican College of New Orleans. She began her teaching career at Maitland Elementary in Morgan City; she was one of the first to teach at Norman Elementary when it opened. Upon moving to New Orleans, she taught for 17 years at Jackson School in downtown New Orleans. Upon moving back to Morgan City, she completed her years as an educator at Stephensville Elementary. Adelaide was a gifted teacher who had a tremendous impact on the young students in her class, especially second graders.
Adelaide was a board member of St. Mary Landmark Society; a volunteer for Blessed Seelos Foundation in New Orleans and a community volunteer for helping to beautify downtown Morgan City. She was also a member of the St. Mary Republican Women. She cherished the memory of a trip to Washington DC, where the group had tea in the White House with Laura Bush.
She loved her social life and was an avid fan of LSU and Joe Burrow. Mardi Gras was also one of her favorite times of the year. She was the Queen of Cervus in 1956 and an officer in the Cervus-Hephaestus Queens Club. She was also a member of the Krewe of Galatea.
Adelaide was a woman of deep faith, attending daily mass for many years and was a member of Come Lord Jesus prayer group and cherished being a member of Sacred Heart Church.
She loved visiting with family and friends, telling stories of the past and her travels. She also listened and was interested in anything a visitor had to say. Adelaide was an antique collector her whole life. She enjoyed being surrounded by beautiful objects and flowers. We will miss her stories, her vitality and her humor. She was the definition of a Southern Lady.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one sister, Mary Catherine Gray and husband Leroy of Berwick; one brother, Dr. C. Leonard Wise and wife Charlotte of Morgan City; 11 nieces and nephews, Michael Gray, Lenny Gray and wife Marsha, Patrick Gray and wife Julie, Lee Gray, Danny Gray and wife Karen, David Gray, Tim Gray and wife Mary Grace, Mary Louise Mayon and husband Shane, Mary Catherine Thomas and husband Lyle, Michael Wise and wife Jennifer, Erin Wiggins and husband Bryan.
The family would like to recognize Adelaide’s special friends Alice Pecoraro and Sarah Stelter. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Bill Cefalu, caregivers at Home Instead, Heart of Hospice and Ochsner of St. Mary.
Adelaide was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Lucille Ann Wise; great nephew, Patrick Gray; niece, Becky Reeves Gray.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Gray, Lenny Gray, Patrick Gray, Lee Gray, Danny Gray, David Gray, Tim Gray and Michael Wise. Honorary pallbearer will be her brother-in-law Leroy Gray.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church of Morgan City, starting at 8:30 A.M. until Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Monsignor Courville celebrating Mass. Following Mass, Adelaide will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Sacred Heart Church or the charity of your choice.