BORN

1922

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home

3827 Canal Street

New Orleans, Louisiana

Barbara Cerniglia Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 23, 2012.

On November 22, 2012, New Orleans legend, Barbara Elise Cerniglia, passed away after suffering from Alzheimer's, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness and compassion that spanned five decades and extended over three continents. Her efforts on behalf of countless refugees, immigrants, homeless, poor and disadvantaged will never be forgotten.
Elise worked for more than four decades helping Cubans, Vietnamese, and many other immigrants in need. She resettled over 20,000 Cubans and more than 40,000 Vietnamese and was instrumental in the creation of Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services, the El Yo-Yo Bilingual Readiness Program and Child Care Center, and helped numerous refugees obtain their collegiate degrees and begin businesses. Her last efforts were to aid immigrants with legal representation.
"La Senora Elisa", as she was fondly called by the New Orleans Hispanic community, was born on August 5, 1922, in New Orleans. Although she was born in New Orleans, she grew up in Cuba where her father was the lead chemical engineer at a sugar cane plantation in Espana Central, Matanzas, Cuba. Years later she moved back to New Orleans.
When Castro came to power in Cuba, a deluge of refugees found their way to New Orleans. Most arrived with only the clothes on their backs. They had no money, no place to stay, no jobs.
She found them clothes, places to live, and work. Word spread, and before long, Elise was receiving calls from other Cubans. Elise started collecting clothes, food, and other items in her home, and working with Senator Ellender for visa waivers for those Cubans trapped in Cuba.
The project soon grew too big for her house, so Elise rented space on Broad Street, and called it the Catholic Cuban Relief Center. She found jobs, homes to rent, and helped many go back to school. More and more Cubans came to New Orleans, often showing up with her phone number on a slip of paper. Then, with the help of Archbishop Hannan, she set up the Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services that is functioning to this day.
Because so many Cuban children couldn't speak English, she started a bilingual pre-school, and called it the El Yo-Yo Bi-lingual Readiness Program and Child Care Center. She went to Washington and procured federal funds for this program. The school was so successful that it became the model for other school systems, and student teachers and observers started showing up, taking notes. Bilingual education was brought to New Orleans.
After the Vietnam War, the United States of America brought hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees and put them in camps, hoping they would be adopted by families across America. Elise called them up and said that she would take as many as they could send her. At first, they objected, but later agreed for the Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Service to sponsor as many as they could take. She firmly believed that, like the Cubans, they should keep their culture and help each other.
Many Vietnamese would come to the New Orleans area, from other cities where they had been resettled, because they wanted to live among their own. Many found work on fish, shrimp, and oyster boats and eventually went on the buy their own boats. Through donations and a lot of hard work, Elise was eventually able to resettle an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 Vietnamese refugees in the New Orleans area, where they, like the Cubans, became an integral part of the multi-cultural fabric of the New Orleans area.
Later, she went to work at Catholic Charities processing and working with immigrants from countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, San Salvador, and many others. Elise taught herself immigration law, and became a certified legal representative that allowed her to represent immigrants in court. With the title "amicus curiae" she prepared and presented cases before federal judges.
Despite a diagnosis of macular degeneration, and even during her years of waning eyesight, she continued helping immigrants and refugees. Elise continued working, helping people, until she was 80 years old and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. During her lifetime, she received numerous awards, medals, and citations, including the Order of St. Louis IX Award, papal recognition from Pope Pius XII and Pope John Paul II. Elise's legacy lives on in the countless lives that she has touched.

Barbara Elise Cerniglia was born on August 5, 1922 to William J Williams, native of Williams, PA and Lillian Johness, native of Lafourche Parish, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: James A Williams, Phyllis N Levy, and her twin brother, William A Williams. Also preceding her were her first husband, Lt. Norman F Randolph, USNR who died in service to his country during the Pacific action of World War II, a daughter, Phyllis Randolph and her second husband, Dr. Albert Salvatore Cerniglia, a well known and respected physician of New Orleans.

She is survived by her children: Phyllis Edwards of Amite, LA, James A. Cerniglia of Accokeek, MD, Timothy W. Cerniglia of Metairie, LA, Mrs. Barbara A. Smith of Mandeville, LA, Arthur T Cerniglia of Kenner, LA and Lillian "Mimi" Higgins of Cape Girardeau, MO. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as the countless refugees whose lives she touched. All will sorely miss her courage, wisdom and generosity.

Visitation will be held at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home on Canal Street from 6:00 to 9:00 pm the evening of Tuesday, November 27, 2012. The funeral mass will be held at noon, Wednesday, November 28th at Holy Name of Jesus Church on St. Charles Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzeimer's Foundation or Catholic Charities Immigration Services. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

December 7, 2012

Antonio Mata

I did not know Mrs. Cerniglia; however, my sister Maria Mata Bonilla and my mother Elvira Mata did. From what the stories that my sister told me, Mrs. Cerniglia was an inspiration and tremendous hope and help to many Cuban immigrants. We thank you and confident that you are in Heaven resting in peace. Regards, Antonio Mata

November 29, 2012

Gary and Winkie Hymel

She was a hands-on Christian and inspirational neighbor from 1956 to 1965 on Wilton Drive. l

November 28, 2012

Martin Gutierrez

My prayers for Elise and family. I only spoke with Elise on a couple of occasions but I am aware of the wonderful impact she had on thousands of families. It was a blessing for me to be present during the Mass today. God bless her and her family - Martin Gutierrez, Catholic Charities Arch. of N.O.

November 28, 2012

Amy Moorer

Dear Family,
Your mother shaped my life. I clearly remember her voice, kindness and in-charge attitude of my favorite neighbor in New Orleans when I was a child. I remember all of you, Barbara, Tim, RT and Mimi, best. And your dog, because we didn't have one. "Mrs. Cerniglia" was always talking, on the phone, or bustling about. I remember the Cuban children who would be at your house and in need of food, clothes and housing. Certainly I didn't understand it all, but I learned form your mother that everyone didn't have what we had. I think she was with me when I worked at community colleges and for a federally qualified health center for uninsured people, many who are undocumented. I do wish I had learned Spanish better. I can hear your mom speaking fast and loud!
My condolences are with you. But I must say, if anyone lives after death in our hearts and memories, it is truly your mom.
With deep sympathy and love,
Amy Hymel Moorer

November 28, 2012

Cheryl Buchert

Chrissy: My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family and friends. Your grandmother was a great lady. I wish that I had known her. Cheryl Buchert

November 27, 2012

My family came from Cuba a long time ago when Elise was put togheter the
Refugio ; we went there and found no only cloth and diferentes things, but a person that give you hope and help in every thing that she can . For our family today is like the lost of our family . Leticia Hernandez and fam.

November 27, 2012

Alejandro Reyes

Thank you for all the help you gave to my family when we came from Cuba. You treated me to my first New Orleans Po-Boy at Parkways. Will never forget you. Rest in peace.

November 27, 2012

From Cathy Lampard
November 26, 2012
I was so sorry to learn of Elise's death, but am so glad that I was on this earth at the same time and in this same wonderful place as Elise while she was doing her wonderful work. I, too, keep hearing her laugh.

November 27, 2012

Catherine Lampard

November 26, 2012
I was so sorry to learn of Elise's death, but am so glad that I was on this earth at the same time and in this same wonderful place as Elise while she was doing her wonderful work. I, too, keep hearing her laugh.

Cathy Lampard
New Orleans

November 26, 2012

TO BARBARA E. CERNIGLIA FAMILY

PLEASE ALLOW US TO EXTEND OUR
CONDOLENCES.

SHE WAS A GREAT LADY.

CECILIA H HERRERA & R.BRUNO HERRERA

November 26, 2012

We send our sympathy.Elise was so much fun, and we have missed her The Sew and Sews of Covington.

November 26, 2012

We send our sypathy.Elise was so much fun. We have missed her. The Sew and Sews of Covington.

November 26, 2012

marc brocato

I can remember many good days spent at Hoot n' Holler near Stoney Point.
She was one more Grand Lady.

There are bonds of attachment that are formed and are never broken, but only in the hearts and memories of those who survive. Our friends are always present in mind. marc brocato.

November 26, 2012

Milton Williams

I'm thankful that God blessed me with Aunt Elise having such an encouraging, safe and fun influence in my life. I'm eternally thankful for her faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who will raise all who believe to be together with Him. Milton Williams, Pass Christian, MS. Love to my cousins.

November 26, 2012

From cousin Johnny Lewis' children, we treasure wonderful memories of visits to New Orleans where we enjoyed fish frys and crab boils and always lots and lots and lots of love and laughs. Our dad loved Elise like a sister and is certainly overcome with joy that she is now in heaven with him, his beloved Norma and his dear parents.

Rest in God's merciful peace, notre cousin.


With our love and sympathy, Lisa Lewis Wright and family, John A Lewis, Jr, and family, Laura Lewis and Aimee Lewis

November 26, 2012

I was so sorry to learn of Elise's death, but am so glad that I was on this earth at the same time and in this same wonderful place as Elise while she was doing her wonderful work. I, too, keep hearing her laugh.

November 25, 2012

Margarita Garcia Sims

To the Cerniglia Family,

My parents, Dr. and Mrs. Jose Garcia Oller, were friends to Elise & Albert, and great supporters of her work. Elise made such a life-changing difference in the lives of so many people, it cannot be adequately expressed. She was an angel and truly did God's work here on earth. My love and prayers go with you at this time.

November 25, 2012

Al Foley

To the family of Elise - my deepest sympathies from the Foley's. I can hear Elise's laugh in my head, and see her smile. She had the most infectious laugh. Elise (I knew her as Mrs.Cerniglia), my mom, and Mrs. Guarisco were inseparable. Elise was a such remarkable and selfless person, and a wonderful example of how to live life. I count myself as another life touched by her generosity and compassion for others. We love her and will miss her dearly. Al Foley

November 25, 2012

Jim and Brenda Williams

My Dear Aunt Elise – You have been a warm and wonderful inspiration to those of us that have been blessed in knowing you. In my youth, I marveled at the cheerful chaos that was your home. I cannot think of one time that you did not have a smile, all the while in a state of continuous motion, while attending to some project. And as I grew older it was with a great sense of pride that I realized you were one of those rare individuals that made a difference. You saw a need; and responded. Brenda and I are forever grateful for your help in our personal lives. I thank you, Aunt Elise, for I am a better person for having known you. Love, Little Jimmy.

November 24, 2012

Kristine Cerniglia

We have created a page on facebook, we would love to read your memories of her at www.facebook.com/EliseCerniglia.

November 24, 2012

Hilda Williams

My Dearest Elise,
I never felt like you were a sister-in-law, but my sister. We all had some good times and made alot of wonderful memories. You were a remarkable lady with so much love and care in your heart for everyone. I love you dearly and will miss you and think of you always.

Love Hilda

November 24, 2012

Lara Williams Abercrombie

I know her as "Aunt Elise", she is my great aunt on my dads side. Her brother James A. Williams was my grandfather and my dad is Milton. I have lots of great memories of Aunt Elise and all of my Louisiana Family. She will be missed and forever loved.

November 24, 2012

Ken and Fern Milstead

November 24, 2012

jeannette Vicknair

Dear Tim and Jayne, i am so sorry for your loss of your mom. She has done so much for all. She will be remembered for a long time.
Jesnnette and Charlie Vicknair

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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