Carolyn Mary Staiger DiMaggio's Obituary
Carolyn Mary Staiger DiMaggio, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 93. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, humor, and love that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Born on August 10, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Carolyn was the daughter of John A. Staiger, Sr. and Sidonie Harang Staiger. For more than 67 years, she was the beloved wife of the love of her life, the late Peter Joseph DiMaggio. Together they built a family rooted in faith and devotion.
She was the loving mother of Dawn DiMaggio, Deanna D. Allen (Michael), David DiMaggio, Sr. (Anna), and Dina D. Martinez; cherished grandmother of Sean Martinez, Meghan Martinez, Danielle DiMaggio, Mollie M. Hood (Thomas), Jared Allen, Shane Martinez (Chloe), David DiMaggio, Jr., Jeremy Allen, and Caroline Allen; and proud great-grandmother of six. In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Elizabeth DiMaggio and Lorraine D. Schembre (Joseph). She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, John A. Staiger, Jr., her sister, Beverly S. Davis, and her sisters-in-law, Marie D. St. Philip and Jacqueline D. Turner (Robert).
Carolyn lived a life deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, attending daily Mass and faithfully praying the rosary in devotion to the Blessed Mother. In 1961, she and Peter moved their family to Arabi, Louisiana, where she became a founding member of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Commentator, and Lector. In recognition of their shared dedication to the Church, she and Peter were honored with the Order of St. Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Following Hurricane Katrina, they relocated to Mandeville, where they became parishioners of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.
A graduate of the Academy of the Holy Angels High School (Class of 1950), Carolyn later attended Our Lady of Holy Cross College. She dedicated much of her life to teaching, serving as an elementary school teacher at Incarnate Word, St. Mary of the Angels, and St. Robert Bellarmine schools. Most of her career was spent teaching second grade, a role she especially loved because it allowed her to prepare her students for their First Holy Communion.
Family was Carolyn’s greatest joy. GiGi and PawPaw never missed a Grandparents’ Day, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carolyn had a gift for hospitality—whether it was gathering the family around the table, preparing favorite meals, or welcoming friends into her home, she delighted in feeding both body and soul. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially the laughter and friendship she shared with her beloved Pokeno group. She was also active as a member of the Knights of Columbus Janssen Council #3068 Ladies Auxiliary, the Holy Faith Associates, and AARP Chapter 5408.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, LA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E.J. Fielding Funeral Home. A tribute may be viewed and condolences shared at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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