Virginia De Fraites

Virginia Alexandria De Fraites, a/k/a “Mother Goose” departed this life at 82 years old on Sunday, June 13, 2021. She enjoyed her life to the fullest, had some incredible adventures, and met some of the most spectacular people throughout her lifetime who left footprints in her soul.

She was known for her great sense of humor and in her final months she asked the funeral director if she could put the costs on her credit card so she can earn the frequent flier miles….. As she said to her daughter, “See, I am always the eternal optimist”.

Virginia was born December 1, 1938 in New Orleans, LA and lived in Houma, LA for the past 32 years. During her exciting years in Houma, she was a member of the Terrebonne Parish Tourist Commission for over twenty years and the chairman of the Enhancement Commission. She also enjoyed writing a column for the Courier for over ten years while helping a friend write a book on U-Boats in the Gulf. In addition, Virginia has attempted to complete 4 books, one of them titled, “How Are Things At The Orifice, Dear?”.

Virginia was dedicated to supporting the military and part of her passion included being a member of the Naval Order of the United States, a Life member of the Navy League of the United States and a volunteer of the Regional Military Museum Foundation and an officer in the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

She graduated from the University of Alabama, School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene, in 1958. Practicing her profession for over thirty years, she accomplished becoming one of the first Dental Hygienist to have her own practice along with a friend. She was a founding member of the Western Shore (Annapolis, MD) and Colorado Springs (Colorado) Dental Hygiene Societies.

Besides living in Louisiana, she had the pleasure of living in Coronado, CA, Annapolis MD (USNA), Colorado Springs, CO and Irvine, CA. During her time in Colorado Springs she hosted her annual Mardi Gras party to raise funds for local charities for over 20 years. Again, over the years she was graced by so many wonderful people and friendships throughout her travels.

She was preceded by her parents, Arthur A. De Fraites, Sr. and Ethel Dugan De Fraites of New Orleans and Houma. She leaves her daughter, Pamela B. Palermo (Tony Martin) her grandsons Alex Palermo and Andrew Palermo and son David I. Palermo and grandson Nicholas Palermo.

Her siblings are Arthur A. De Fraites Jr. (Mary Helen), Ethel Reynolds, Blanche Ullo (Frank) and John M. De Fraites (Elaine). She was a descendant of the Fortune Jaubert family.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at St. Francis Cathedral on Thursday, June 24, 2021, beginning at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at a later date in Lakelawn Metairie.

Her honorary pall bearers are RADM Tommie Rinard, USN; RADM Paul Pluto, USCG; RADM Doug Moore, USN,SC; RADM Bill Merlin, USCG; CAPT James Morgan, USN; and COL Al Uhalt, USAF.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in remembrance.