Reina del Rio Hester

Reina del Rio Hester, aged 90, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017 after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born May 5, 1927 in New Orleans, the daughter of the late Raymond and Julia Verret del Rio of Baton Rouge. In January of 1946, she married Noel Smith Hester, the love of her life. They spent the majority of their blissful life as residents of Algiers, LA, until they relocated to Mandeville on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. They were happily married for 54 years, until Noel's passing in November of 2000. Reina had several passions, but above all was her love for family. Affectionately known as Mimi, she played an important role in her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives. She was always full of energy and joy, and the little ones loved her attention. Her lifelong hobby was her art work, which adorned the walls of her home and reflected her vibrant personality and love for life. She loved painting and won many awards for her exceptional talents as an artist. Whether it was an abstract or a painting of a Louisiana plantation home, they were true works of art. Anyone who knew her was sure to be impressed by her love for dancing. She had a love for rhythm and blues and for Latin music, and would not hesitate to get up and move her feet. In fact, she was still dancing on her 90th birthday in May. As a consistently active and passionate contributing member of her community, she volunteered at Lakeview Regional Hospital for many years, participated in the Volunteers of America, and served as Regent for the Wharton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the Covington/Mandeville area. Reina was preceded in death by her son, Ray Hester and her only sister Blanca del Rio Johnson. She is survived by her son, David Hester and his wife Peggy- her daughter Diane Hester Rodrigue and her husband Herd- and her only brother, Roger del Rio and his wife Jerry. She has seven grandchildren- Kyle Hester, Kristin Hester Starbird, Sean Garnett, Shanna Rodrigue Touchstone, Rachel Rodrigue Donatelli, and two step-grandchildren, Michael Davis and Courtney Davis. She also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren- Gunnar, Colette, Reagan, Savannah, Kylie, Davy, Christopher, Victoria, Ian, Jeremiah, and Fox. Also left behind are numerous loving relatives and the many friends whose lives she touched throughout the years. The family would like to extend their gratitude for the attention and care given to her in her later years from the wonderful staff at the Windsor Assisted Living Community, Brookdale's Memory Care Facility, and the Passage's Hospice. Their support during the past few years and months is greatly appreciated. A small memorial service will be held at her request at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 302 Lafitte St. Mandeville, LA 70448 on Saturday, August 26, 2017. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 pm, with a Memorial Mass at 2:00. She will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband in Mandeville during a private ceremony.

Reina del Rio Hester

May 5, 1927 - August 13, 2017