Mariana Graham Forcier, 93, went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2018. She passed peacefully at HomeLife in the Gardens in New Orleans, following her brief battle with cancer.

She was born in New Orleans on Nov. 19, 1924, as the daughter of Thomas and Florence (Reilly) Graham. Mariana was loved by all who had the true blessing of knowing her. A piece of our hearts is lost forever.

Mariana is survived by her loving 10 children, Ann (David) Lichtenstein, Thomas (Maria Helmer) Forcier, Catherine (Peter) Castelluccio, Margaret (Patrick) Trainor, Charles Forcier, Joan (Larry) Miller, Patricia (Arthur) Kirsch, Michael (Cynthia) Graham, Paul (Betty) Forcier, and Philip (Missy) Forcier; and one brother, Pete (Kathy) Graham. Mariana was blessed with 26 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mariana was preceded in death by her loving husband, Victor Edward Forcier; a son, Victor E. Forcier Jr.; her parents, Thomas P. Graham Jr. and Florence R. Graham; and brothers, Robert R. Graham and Thomas P. Graham III.

Mariana graduated from Dominican High School in 1943. She soon married Victor E. Forcier and moved to Stewart, Minn., where her husband and family lived. Mariana and Victor would eventually settle down on Magazine Street in uptown New Orleans, where they raised their 10 children. She was a lifelong member of St. Stephen Catholic Church and actively involved in the parents’ club and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary.

Mariana loved caring for and visiting with her children and grandchildren for all occasions. Mardi Gras was a favorite time of year, and she could be seen on St. Charles Avenue rain or shine, warm or cold, with children, grands, greats, and friends. She loved plants and flowers, knowing whatever she stuck in the dirt would blossom and grow. Mariana lived a life that was exceedingly full of love and joy. She was always the life of the party. But most importantly, she was the heart and soul of a family that is unsurpassed in both size and in love.

The family wishes to thank HomeLife in the Gardens staff for their compassionate care as well as the staff at Passages Hospice and Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, June 9, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, located at 1307 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with the Rev. Msgr. Christopher H. Nalty officiating. A private interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Parish, for the restoration of St. Stephen Catholic Church, in memory of Mariana G. Forcier at: goodshepherdparishnola.com (Click “Donate to the Restoration”) or mailed to: 1025 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115.