Mary Gean Anderson, of Slidell, LA, passed away peacefully the morning of July 25th, 2022. She was 87. Mary -- or as she was known by many, Mary Gean or Aunt Gean -- was preceded in death in March of this year by her husband Ronald (Ron) of 58 years. She is survived by many: her children Eric and Susan; her sisters Catherine Lambert and Patricia Mathews; and her grandchildren – Corbin, Preston (Rayne), Dylan, Sierra, Dustin, Savannah, and David.

Mary Gean was born October 26th, 1934 to Anthony and Ethel (Hedges) Serio and was the ninth of ten children. She was born in the family home and shop on Cherokee St. in New Orleans, where she fondly remembered all of the love and experiences a large family and a colorful community could offer.

She would lovingly tell stories to all who would listen: stories of her brothers and sisters, doing chores to the sounds of New Orleans on the radio; sliding around on the soapy floors; pretending to learn how to "read" while her older sisters were helping the younger ones with kindergarten homework; running a make-shift grocery store (like her dad) stocked with pretend pasta made from long grass, rusted tin-can water as orange juice and mudpies made from only the freshest, high-quality mud they could find. Mary Gean would always finish these stories with, "…and Mama always washed us up before Daddy got home, because he did not like his children dirty."

Those who knew Mary Gean only as an adult would still recognize this playful spirit, as it was something she had never lost throughout her life. But perhaps the thing she will always be remembered for is her limitless capacity to care for others, like when she remained by Ron's side for his year-long hospitalization following an accident that left him paralyzed.

After she married Ron, his work with Chevron would take them away from Louisiana to California, and eventually to Texas, where she called Houston home for many years. It was in California that her family began to grow when she adopted her son Eric, and less than two years later, her daughter Susan in Texas. While living in Houston, Mary Gean was active with numerous causes and social groups, studied nursing, and owned a ceramic arts shop. She would pass on her passion for social change and the arts to her children as well. Mary Gean was able to visit Europe on two occasions, visiting her ancestral roots in Sicily where she remarked, "there's a whole village of people who look like me and my father!"

When Ron eventually retired from Chevron, they returned to the Louisiana's North Shore so that Mary Gean could be there for her older siblings still living in the area, and her daughter who had coincidently taken a position at Stennis. The timing was perfect -- and she remained in Slidell through her remaining years.

Mary Gean was always able to see the best in people not just for who they were, but who they could be. She inspired everyone around her to strive to be the best version of themselves they could be, even if they never even realized what she was doing. This amazing ability ensured that everyone she ever loved felt loved unconditionally. She was a beacon which would always draw good people to her. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family has asked that in the spirit of Mary Gean Anderson, take care of each other, strive for a cleaner and healthier planet, and above all else, be kind.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.