Mary Needham de Veer's Obituary
Mary Needham de Veer peacefully left us on Sunday, February 24, 2013 from her home in Covington. Born September 20, 1922 in Glasgow, Scotland, Mary attended Notre Dame Teacher’s College intent on a career in education. In 1945 she met Frederick Edward de Veer, Jr. of Opelousas, a WWII GI serving overseas, whom she married in 1947 at St. James Major Catholic Church in Gentilly. Mary settled into her new home on Peoples Avenue where she was content to reside until August 29, 2005. She remained a faithful founding member of St. Raphael Catholic Church for over fifty years, and of St. Peter of Covington, post-Katrina.
She is survived by eleven sons: Stephen Anthony (Susan), Frederick “Yancey” Edward III, Brian Francis (Murrel), Mark Gerard (Connie), John Christopher, Philip James (Rebecca), Paul Joseph (Sandy), Gregory Michael (Lisa), Joseph Martin (Cathi), Peter Dennis (Mary), and Denis Jerome. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, and siblings (all of the UK) James, Anthony, Kathleen, Alice and Annie.
Mary died as she had lived—surrounded by loving family, and faithful to Christ and His Church. Her absence is deeply felt by family and friends, but her light shines perpetual through the good work she did while she walked with us.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass to be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th Ave. Covington, LA 70433.
Visitation at the Church will begin Thursday at 11:00 AM.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, LA has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Mobile, Alabama.
Interment at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans will immediately follow mass.
Please sign the family guestbook on-line at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?