Celeste Ann Ricca

Celeste Ann Ricca, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend departed this life on May 10, 2023 at the age of 72. She was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, LA, born on February 17, 1951, the fourth of ten children to the late Peter Angelo Ricca and Althea Mary Wolf Ricca.

Affectionately known as “Cissy” by her siblings, then “Lessie” by countless nieces and nephews, Celeste loved her family and friends dearly. She happily accepted the position of surrogate mother, whenever the need arose, offering care, compassion, advice, direction or a good old-fashioned scolding, when necessary. She especially loved her role as adoptive grandmother to Sophia Elizabeth Howell and Clay Anthony Roberts.

When she wasn’t spoiling the many children she treasured, she enjoyed gardening, attending Mardi Gras parades and hosting family and friends for backyard holidays and weddings. She spent many years working with family at White Pillars Emporium and Ricca’s Architectural Sales. She was a kind, loving, generous soul, easily adored by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by five brothers, Angelo Joseph Ricca (Junell), Peter Jude Ricca, Sr. (Mary), Roland Anthony Ricca, Sr. (Nelvia), David Joseph Ricca (Pamela) and Harry Joseph Ricca, two sisters, Elizabeth Ricca Howell and Mary Ricca Mackenroth (Allen), as well as five nieces and nephews Anthony G. “Tony” Marshall, Anna Marie Ricca, Sarah Elizabeth Ricca, Roland Anthony Ricca, Jr. (Allison) and Jennifer Howell Roberts (Jimmy).

She is survived by one daughter Lisa Ann Wagnon, one grandson Hayden Nicholas Caron, two sisters Julie Ricca Puderer (Alvin), and Rene Angela Ricca Hill, eight nieces and nephews, Laurice Ricca Howard (Grant), Rachel Angela Ricca, David Peter Ricca (Joann), Jessica Lynn Howell, Katie Hill Vanderbrook (Joe), Julie Ricca Hoy (Joey), Avin Puderer Squires (Matthew), James Douglas Hill and Peter Jude Ricca, Jr., as well as twenty-one grand-nieces and nephews.

She was gone too soon and will be greatly missed by all who loved her, including her closest friends Debbie Graf, Jeannie Pou, Margie Ricca, Carol Rogan and Maria Sanchez.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002 on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 11:30 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private. For expressions of love and sympathy, please visit www. tharpsontheimerfh.com

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