Gail Benton Lemarie
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Gail Benton Lemarie

  • April 15, 1938 - January 10, 2012
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
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Memories & Candles

“Byron, Adrienne, and Brian, Your mother's love for family was so strong. Remember that love existed to give you comfort and keep you warm. When...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Chris Jones - LaPlace, LA

“Byron, Adrienne, and Brian, Your mother's love for family was so strong. Remember that love existed to give you comfort and keep you warm. When...Read More » ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Chris Jones - LaPlace, LA

“Sorry we were unable to attend funeral. Our love and prayers go out to all the family. David and Cathie ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: David & Cathie Jones - Enid, OK

“Adrienne, My heart hurts to hear of your mothers death. I have such fond memories of her from our McGehee carpooling days and beyond. So dynamic...Read More » ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: Peggy Trice Estes - Atlanta, GA

“From Marcel Proust's 1907 letter to his friend Georges de Lauris, regarding the recent death of his mother: "Now there is one thing I can...Read More » ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Janet Wusthoff - New Orleans, LA

“Dear Gail, We will miss you in the St. Charles kitchen. I wish the grace you shone perpetually continues to bloom in your friends. May the grace...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Ann Byerly - New Orleans, LA

“Dr. Hammer and Adrienne my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Peace be with you. ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Carol Washington - Marrero, LA

“One of my youngest friends in spirit, energy, and outlook with a heart age was unable to harden. I will particularly miss her laughter in the kitchen...Read More » ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Kate Prechter - New Orleans, LA

“i met Gail shortly after I arrived in New Orleans as a new bride. I joined the Orleans Club where I met your adorable Mother! What a JOY....delight....Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Cornelia England - The Woodlands, TX

“Gail was a self-assured, independent woman and a free spirit who enjoyed life to the fullest while giving to the community without seeking any...Read More » ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Lorre Lei Jackson - River Ridge, LA

“Byron, I am so sorry for your loss. I find that healing is like assembling a puzzle, beginning at its center and building outwards without...Read More » ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Zorayda De Souza - Metairie, LA

“Bryon & Adrienne, My Prayers are with you both at this difficult time. Cherish the memories and remember the love she had for her family & life....Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Sherri DeLaCerda - Metairie, , LA

“May your legacy of Christian faith and good works be carried on in service to others by family, friends, and those who have been influenced by your...Read More » ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Edwin (Ed) Stock, Jr. - Cary, NC

“Adrienne & Byron: My prayers are with both of you during this difficult time. I have experienced the pain which you are going through; but with God's...Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: Gilbert E. Ketchens, Jr. - LA


Gail Benton Lemarie, age 73, passed away at home after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. She was born and lived most of her life in New Orleans, which she dearly loved and devoted much of her joy, enthusiasm and spirit into making a better place. She served as a past president of the Board of Big Brothers of New Orleans and of Save Our Cemeteries. She also served on the Board of Lighthouse for the Blind. She served as an Elder at St. Charles Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered with the Rebuilding Homes In New Orleans (RHINO) project, was president of the Blood Drive and went to Cuba on the Church Mission trip. She was a member of The Junior League Interior and Garden clubs and The Orleans Club. She was a past member and president of Sybarites. She loved to travel, garden, play bridge and Mah Jongg, and most of all give herself to her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Conklin Barry Benton and Hugh C. Benton and her brother, Hugh C. Benton, Jr. and her husbands, Joseph Aurelio Diaz and M. Kent Lemarie. She is survived by her son, Byron A. Hammer, her daughter, Adrienne H. Rynning (Jon), her step son, Brian J. Diaz (Leigh), and their children, Josh, Rebecca, and Zach, her sister, Carroll B. Fromherz, and her brother, John Barry Benton.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 3 o'clock. A visitation will be held from 2 o'clock until service time.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the RHINO program or the Cuban Water Purification project through St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, the SPCA, or the charity of your choice.

To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.