Miriam Basart Geerken

Miriam Basart Geerken, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 6, 2020. Miriam was born in New Orleans, LA December 17, 1925 to the late Michael A. Basart (Cassard) and Miriam Tardy Basart. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy A. Geerken and her sister Evelyn Minor (Basart).

She is survived by her son, Michael (Janet) and her daughters, Marilyn Leblanc (Steve), Melinda Richard (Danny) and Michele Geerken-Cousins (Kelly) and her sister-in-law, Vera Lyons (Geerken).

“Mim” to her grandchildren, Stephanie LeBlanc Moore (John), Alyson LeBlanc Riggs (Mack), Christopher Geerken (Valerie), Jaime Richard Trahant (Jude), Brandon LeBlanc (Kobi), David Geerken (Katie), Sarah LeBlanc Smits (Pat), Timothy LeBlanc (Liza), Emily Geerken Cousins, Elizabeth Geerken, Kelsey Richard Pace (Duncan) and Daniel Richard.

Miriam “Mim” is also survived by her 27 great-grandchildren: Andrew, Megan, Katherine, John David, Hawk, Mackenzie, Will, Kanga, Steven, Dove, Aaron, Cooper, Jonathon, Avery, Joel, Bridget, Ellie, Julia, Joshua, Molly Kate, Sydney, Daniel, Addyson, Seth, Finley, Cameron and Cecilia and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Miriam’s family wants to offer never-ending thanks for the care and love given to her by Ms. Nursie Davis and Ms. Flora Henderson for the last 6+ years.

Miriam worked for the Naval Shipyard during World War II. During her many years as a parishioner of Saint Louis King of France Parish she served as president of the CYO, assisted her husband, Roy, in his position as Assistant Scout Master and worked as the parish secretary in the rectory. She also served as recording secretary for the New Orleans City Park Commission.

A graduate of Cohen High School in New Orleans, she returned to further her education at Delgado College and became a certified court reporter. Her training and expertise led to a long career as a court reporter in the Orleans Parish Criminal Court until her retirement. Prior to becoming a court reporter, Miriam worked for the Orleans Parish school system as secretary at Robert E. Lee School.

As a retiree she volunteered at the National World War II Museum and The Friends of the Cabildo as a docent and helped train new volunteers.

Always “dressed” for the day, her free time was spent traveling the world (she loved a good cruise), gardening, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s parades. She was always the biggest supporter and cheerleader for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s many sporting events, performances, graduations, etc.


Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1025 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, on Friday, September 11, 2020, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 12:00 PM. A private burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Notre Dame Hospice which was wonderful in caring for Miriam in her last days. Due to COVID 19 regulations, please follow the current restrictions and everyone attending is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.
 

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