Audrey St. Raymond Vitter, devoted mother of six, grandmother of 15, great-grandmother of one, and tireless worker for Catholic projects and causes in New Orleans, died on October 8, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia of congestive heart failure. Mrs. Vitter was in Atlanta as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Mrs. Vitter was born on December 20, 1920 in New Orleans, the eldest of five children. She attended St. Joseph Academy Elementary and High School. She graduated as valedictorian of her senior class and received a scholarship to Ursuline College. After graduating from college in mathematics, Mrs. Vitter earned a Master's degree in social work from Tulane University.
On June 19, 1943, Mrs. Vitter married fellow New Orleans native Albert L. Vitter, Jr.; they celebrated 60 years of marriage shortly before his passing two years ago. They lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts during World War II and in New Orleans for the remainder of their lives.
Mrs. Vitter's life was one of extraordinary service and caring for others. She dedicated every day of her life to her husband, her family, her church, and her community. Mrs. Vitter was active in St. Rita of Cascia Parish as president of the Sodality, chairperson for over 25 years of the annual plant sale, and founder of the Samaritan Ministry to the Infirmed and Elderly. She was a leader from 1983 to 1986 of the Parish Renew Program, and in 1999 she co-chaired the committee to write the history of St. Rita Parish. Mrs. Vitter was also an active member of the Senior Adult Group and the Ladies Altar Society. She was a lifetime supporter of the Ursuline Nuns and many other religious and charitable organizations. For her outstanding dedication to the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of New Orleans awarded her the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion.
Mrs. Vitter is survived by six children and their spouses, Dr. Albert L. Vitter III and spouse Alison Voros Vitter of New Orleans; Ms. Martha L. Jackoniski and spouse James J. Jackoniski of Atlanta, Georgia; Ms. Donna L. Vitter of Paris, France; Dr. J. Mark Vitter, M.D. and spouse Mary Wilkie Vitter of New Orleans; Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter and spouse Sharon Weaver Vitter of West Lafayette, Indiana; and U.S. Senator David B. Vitter and spouse Wendy Baldwin Vitter of Metairie, Louisiana; one sister Marie St. Raymond Zimmermann of New Orleans (later deceased April 9, 2006); 15 grandchildren; and one great grandson. Mrs. Vitter was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Albert L. Vitter, Jr. and her brothers Dr. Albert H. St. Raymond, Jr., M.D.; Mr. John B. St. Raymond; and Dr. Bernard St. Raymond, M.D.
A funeral mass was held for Mrs. Vitter on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with arrangements by H. M. Patterson & Son. Msgr. Edward J. Dillon and the Very Reverend James Tarantino of New Orleans concelebrated the mass.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2006, a memorial service was held for Mrs. Vitter at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church in uptown New Orleans. Immediately prior to the service, she was placed into the family tomb at Lake Lawn Cemetery. Memorial tributes to Mrs. Vitter may be posted by clicking here . In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions in her name be made to St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline Street, New Orleans, LA 70125-3530, (504) 866-3621.