LOUIE Smolensky of Waveland, MS, and a 3 year resident of Dunbar Village Assisted Living in Bay St Louis passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after a brief illness.
Louie was the third child of Rachel Goldberg and Saul Smolensky. He was in the Louisiana National Guard.
Louie started his varied careers as a bartender at Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter where he met his future wife, Jane Ferry. They married in 1973.
In 1975 they moved to Waveland and in 1978 Louie ran for Alderman and won the support of his Ward for the a total of sixteen years - except for the seven years he was out due to medical issues. Since moving to Waveland Louie was also an active member of the Waveland Civic Assn. where he received the honor of raising monies for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn (MDA). This started him letting his hair grow long for a year and then ‘auction’ the shaving of his head to raise funds for MDA. Many other citizens of Waveland joined in having their heads shaved in support of this fundraising. In 1985 Louie was the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Ball and Parade of the Waveland Civic Assn. Thus began the ‘green bagel’ throws!
Louie was an active member of the American Legion Post #77 in Waveland and for a few years was elected and re-elected as the Commander. He helped with the BINGO nights.
Being an Alderman in Waveland was a part-time job so Louie was selling automobiles from the local dealerships to support his family. He always tried to help people get the vehicle they needed without paying too high a price even if it meant his commission was low.
Louie chaired the Main Raffle in the early years of Saint Clare Fair/Seafood Festival – always giving to others.
While living at Dunbar Village and through the prayers and guidance of Father Jacob-Matthew Smith, Louie converted to the Catholic Faith in August 2023.
Louie is preceded in death by his parents Rachel and Saul, his brother David and his wife of 40 years, Jane F Smolensky. He is survived by his sister Claire Katz of Metairie, LA, and a daughter, Sara Ford who was at one time living in CA. Also there are many nieces, nephews and dear friends who cherish his memory.
The Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Waveland, MS from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am - Father Jacob is celebrant. Interment in St Louis #3 Cemetery in New Orleans, LA, will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Saint Clare Catholic Church 236 S. Beach Blvd., Waveland, MS 39576.
Friday, October 25, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am (Central time)
Saint Clare Catholic Church
Friday, October 25, 2024
Starts at 11:30 am (Central time)
Saint Clare Catholic Church
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