Anne Fortenberry McGaha

Anne Elizabeth Fortenberry McGaha passed away at her home on Saturday April 20, 2024 at the age of 74. She was born on August 25, 1949 in New Orleans, LA to the late John William Fortenberry and Rita Derbonne Fortenberry. Devoted wife of John Robert McGaha, jr. to whom she was married for 53 years. Loving mother of John Robert McGaha, III, Maureen McGaha Sonnier, and Patrick James McGaha. Cherished grandmother of Brennan Stuart Sonnier, Jude William Sonnier, Christian Scott Sonnier, and Anne Marie Sonnier. Anne is the eldest of 5 siblings; Mary Fortenberry Barnes, the late John William Fortenberry, jr, the late Catherine Veronica Fortenberry, and Angela Fortenberry Passafume. Anne is the sister-in-law to Geraldine and Dennis Ziegeler and Terry McGaha. She is the aunt to Jessica Fortenberry Chaisson, Ashleigh V. Passafume, David J. Passafume, the late Michael G. Ziegeler, and Christine Ziegeler Pauley-Lataxes.

A native of New Orleans, LA , Anne graduated from Cabrini High School and Loyola University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She has been a resident of Ridgeland, MS for the past 20 plus years, but spent significant time in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area with her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Anne was a matriarch figure as well as everyone’s cheerleader in life. She loved her friends and family dearly and if she knew you, she cared for you. Her four grandchildren were the light of her life and brought her so much joy and happiness.
She was a devout catholic and long time parishioner of St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson. MS.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA on Tuesday April 30, 2024 at 12:00pm with visitation starting 10:00am. Interment will be held at a later date at Southeast Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Little Sister’s of the Poor, an organization Anne felt dear to her heart. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.greenwoodfh.com