Joan Marie Varisco Ernst died on October 15, 2016, following a brief illness at the age of 80. Born on August 26, 1936, Joan was a native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Arabi. She resided in San Antonio, Texas for the past 11 years. She was the beloved wife of the late Vernon Louis Ernst, Sr., and they shared 58 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her son, Louis Albert Ernst (Deborah). She is survived by her daughter Leslie Ernst Triana (Fernando), son David Ernst (Becky), and son Vernon Ernst, Jr. (Paula), and her eleven grandchildren: Taylor, Brian, Louis, David, Cassi, Austin, Haley, Molly, Trey, Evan, and Amy. She was the daughter of the late Vincent J. and Pauline Isidore Varisco and sister of the late Joyce Varisco Hammond. She was the daughter-in-law of the late Louis J. and Gladys Wade Ernst and sister-in-law of the late Joseph Albert and Jennie Ernst. She is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Vincent and Patricia Varisco, and Paul and Jill Varisco. A wonderful wife, mother, and friend, her radiant smile brought joy to all who knew her. She worked as the Director of Industrial Medicine at Chalmette Medical Center for many years. An incredibly strong woman, she persevered through many trials and tribulations throughout her lifetime. Joan was an amazing cook, a great dancer, and thoughtful friend. She was beautiful inside and out, and she was always the best dressed person in the room. She loved life, family, and friends. She will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Joan’s niece, Paula Hammond Guzman, for the special love and support she provided throughout the years. Please join us in honoring her life on Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the chapel at 12 p.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.
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