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Ann Guinta Wilkinson died peacefully in her home on March 27, 2017. She was 81 years old.
She was born in New Orleans on December 15, 1935, the daughter of the late Natale Guinta and Antonia (Lena) DiGiovanni Guinta and the sister of the late Lt. Col. Joseph Guinta. She
married the late Joseph C. Wilkinson on June 26, 1954, and they were a devoted married
couple and bedrocks of their Terrytown and Gretna, Louisiana, communities for 54 years.
Ann was the smartest girl in her class at St. Teresa School and the salutatorian of the 1953
graduating class of Redemptorist High School in the Irish Channel. For the first 15 years of her marriage, she was a dedicated stay-at-home mom to her seven children, Jay (Sue), Terri, Tom (Antoinette), Steve, Judy (Richard), Lynn (Todd) and Matt, all of whom survive her. When her children were all settled into Christ the King School, she returned to school herself, and earned her RN degree in nursing from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in 1971 and her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from the Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine in 1978. She was one of the first licensed nurse practitioners in Louisiana. She worked her entire distinguished medical career in New Orleans, including as a staff nurse at DePaul Hospital 1971-73; Assistant Clinical Instructor at Hotel Dieu School of Nursing 1973-74; Head Nurse in the Adult Unit at Coliseum House; and for 30 years as Clinical Research Nurse at the Tulane Medical School, Section of Oncology/Hematology, Tulane Cancer Center. She was the confidante and adviser of some of the most distinguished physicians in the city, including Drs. Jack Stuckey, German Beltran, Salvador Caputo and Leonard Thomas. She was a mentor to numerous medical and nursing students, some of who called her "Mama," and a friend and caregiver to countless cancer patients, many of whom she saw at the old Charity Hospital in New Orleans, where she regularly made rounds and worked at one of her favorite duties. She was a charter
member of the Oncology Nursing Society 1975--98; Secretary and member of the Southwest Oncology Group, Nurse Oncologist Committee; Affiliate Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association of Cancer Research; and President in 1981 of New Orleans Oncology Nurses. She presented two papers to professional associations concerning cancer research. Despite the demands of her outstanding professional life, she remained a devoted and fulltime mother, wife, grand-mother and great-grandmother. Her surviving grandchildren are Katie Wilkinson O'Leary (Patrick), Kristie Wilkinson Curry (Chris), Michael Wilkinson; Logan and Jake Wilkinson; Erin, Sara, Reece and Quynn Sisto; Lila and Nathan Sheon; Hayden and Hannah Wilkinson. Her surviving great-grandchildren are Emily and Lindsay Curry and Avery and Madeline O'Leary.
She loved her family, her religion, her Sicilian heritage, her little red Smart car and, above all,
her husband. She was a dedicated Roman Catholic and parishioner of Christ the King Church in Terrytown 1962-2007 and St. Joseph Church in Gretna from 2007 until her death. She was a spectacular baker of Italian cookies of all kinds, especially cucidati, and hostess to decades of family holiday banquets. She will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to attend Memorial Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until Mass time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
October 21, 2022
Judy
Mama, I miss you still and love you always, Judy
April 3, 2017
Tommy Warner
Ann was truly an outstanding individual and student at Redemptorist High School. It is no surprise that she has achieved such remarkable accomplishments during her life. Her leadership is indicative of her sacrifice and hard work, for her family and mankind. I know she has joined Joe in heaven to continue God's work. In a word, she was Awesome!
Tommy and Mary Ellen Warner
Class of 53'
March 31, 2017
Pam DiGrado
I was a classmate of Ann's at Hotel Dieu. Although much older than thr rest of our class she just seemed to fit right in. She was always there to lend support or much needed advice. I will keep your family in my prayers.
March 31, 2017
Brenda Harrison
Mrs. Ann was kind and tough and funny and loving. She loved all of her family fiercely and always made me feel like one of the family. I am sorry I cannot be there to celebrate her life. My thoughts and love are with all of you, Brenda
March 31, 2017
Barbara(Jean) and David Tumlin
So sorry for the loss of your Mother.I know you all must miss her so much.Mamma spoke of your mother and dad with such love.We all remember them coming to Mamma and Daddy's 50th anniversary party. So sorry we can't make it to the services because of health issues.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
March 31, 2017
My condolences to the Wilkinson family on the passing of Ann. I was a classmate of Ann's at Hotel Dieu Nursing School;. Although I lost contact with Ann over the years ,she was always in my thoughts. My memories of her were so vivid as a happy,giving,thoughtful woman who always spoke proudly of her family. Ann always lifted my spirits with her unending positive attitude on nursing and life.The world has lost a lovely lady. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Gerie Voltz Bourne
Destrehan La.
March 31, 2017
Kristie Curry
Dear Nana,
Words cannot express how much I miss you. All I keep thinking is that I never thanked you enough for everything you've done. Thank you for teaching me to make the best peanut butter fudge in the world. Thank you for the countless Sunday lunches, where you made sure to bread a little chicken for me because you knew I was a picky eater. Thank you for showing me how to fry shrimp although no matter how many countless times I've made it, it still doesn't taste like yours (yes I used the lemon Zatarains). Thank you for teaching me how to take care of my babies from the first few weeks when I had Emily and you let us stay with you and Papa. Thank you for watching Emily for me so I could finish school, and reminding me that "no bride ever went down the aisle with a nu nu in her mouth". Thank you for letting me come over unannounced so I could "rest my nerves" and borrow a book or two. Thank you for providing a fun place for me and the cousins to explore in the backyard and eat rainbow snowballs. For always being that driving force behind me. Thank you for always telling me that I was a strong person. I won't let you down. Thank you for the influence you had on my girls. I know they make you proud. (Let's face it, they don't get their fierce intelligence and love of books from me). Thank you for your yearly order from Chris for the best oysters he could shuck, "money ain't no object" and "oysters are dear" and reminding him to "save a few for ourselves". I promise to try to make the oyster dressing in the future. Thank you for the countless prayers you offered for me and my family over the years and for showing us a true relationship with God. I know we have an angel looking after us. I know that you and Papa are finally together again and that you are basking in God's glory. We will try to remember to "put on our feet" and "close the door". I'll try to continue to make you proud.
All my love, Kristie
March 31, 2017
Ex student
Thank you Ann for all you taught me Hotel Dieu School of Nursing. God bless your wonderful family in the coming days, weeks & years in your absence.
March 30, 2017
The Geiger Family The Geiger Family
March 30, 2017
Charlene Berger
My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during this difficult time.I worked with Ann from 1980 -1989 as an Oncology Research Nurse at Tulane University Medical School. She was loved by staff and patients alike at Charity and Tulane. She was an excellent oncology nurse and respected by all. Her family was her first love and shared many memories and accolades for all of them. She will be missed by all.
March 30, 2017
Jean/Charles Weary Jones
Terry and Tom:
My condolences on the passing your Mother. Pray God gives you comfort and strength.
March 30, 2017
Dearest Mom,
As you know, I woke up this morning with "Taste and See" in my head. While the refrain and all the stanzas are apropos, the one that most resonates is:
"Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us all praise God's name.
I called the Lord who answered me;
from all my troubles I was set free."
I read this one to Judy and Lynn and they agreed that it is one of your many messages to us in the last few days as we've cried and laughed together. While we are convinced that you are now "floating in the Universe with God" in utter joy and peace as you wished, I cannot lie and say that we are not heartbroken.
Your devoted daughter and best friend,
Terri
March 30, 2017
Roxanne Shepherd
Lynn, Matt, Judy, and family- I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember you mom fondly. My thoughts are with you.
March 29, 2017
To a great CTK family - you will always be remembered. Your Mom was a great woman full of joy, humor, kindness , and a wonderful positive attitude. A woman of tremendous faith. She so loved each of you! You are in my prayers ...Hold her in your hearts - she will always be with you - also will your Dad - another wonderful person.... so sorry I cannot be there, but in spirit I hold each of you in prayer. Sister Marie Noël, msc (CTK many years back)
March 29, 2017
Matthew Wilkinson
There are many ways to show ones affection, all of which are fine.
An action, such as a subtle touch is nice.
However at times, simply a poem of mine.
The written word is a way to express a feeling, thought or statement all wrapped in a certain sentence style.
Mom, I hope that this brings a warmth to your heart and in heaven elicits your lovely smile.
Integrity, honesty and intellect, all of which are your traits.
A strength of character and an inner beauty, which to me, always did resonate.
Fortitude, directness, there was an air of confidence about you.
Your eyes spoke to truth, they drew me in to a reality not askew.
We take many paths in life, an oft traveled road we go.
We meet many along the way, most we pass by, but others we were truly honored to know.
I trust you now have reconnected with your missed loved ones and of course the Lord, which I'm certain you were first to engage.
Your trust, loyalty and laughter.
Directness, insight and devotion
Were all the spices of your life, You my dear mother will always be and have always been the Rosemary to my Sage.
With the utmost Respect and Love,
Your youngest, Matthew
March 29, 2017
Mom,
What a tabulous addition to heaven. We miss you so much here on earth but our loss here is God's gain There.
We love you!!!!
Lynn, Todd, Erin, Sara, Reece, Quynn
March 29, 2017
Janis Huegel
March 29, 2017
Parishioners of St Joseph Church were privilege to have Ann participate in both church functions and women's club activities. This kind hearted lady exemplifies the meaning of being a child of Jesus Christ. Her love for family, God and country can't be measured! You shall always be in our heart till we meet again in God's house. We thank him for leading you to our place of worship. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain and surround you, until you meet again, Psalm 147:3.
The Women's Club & Parishioners of St Joseph
March 29, 2017
Kathy Wilkinson Keogh
To all my cousins, we are so very sorry to hear about your Mom. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I loved your mom. She always made me laugh. What a wonderful sense of humor she had. I will always have such special memories of her, your dad and the times we spent together. May you Rest In Peace Aunt Ann. I know how much she will be missed by all of you.
Love,
Kathy and John Keogh
Ethel Wilkinson
March 29, 2017
mike giglio
The Lord presents many challenges during our stay on this earth, none of which is more difficult than losing a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. We pray for your family during this difficult & testing period. Always remember the love & happiness she brought to those fortunate to have known her.
Ann was a wonderful mother and person admired by many. RIP Ms. Ann
the Giglio family
March 29, 2017
Gloria Eiffert Vandenweghe
I was a classmate of Ann's at Hotel Dieu School of Nursing 1968-71 .Ann was like a mother to us.Ann was so caring and sweet! She was brilliant and graduated 1st in our class. She always talked of her 7 children whom she adored. My sympathy to her family, Gloria Eiffert Vandenweghe
March 29, 2017
Cindy Edwards Holliday
Ann was my clinical nursing instructor at Hotel Dieu Nsg School in 1973 and a mentor for many years after that! We both followed paths in oncology, she with Tulane and I with LSU!! I learned so much from this smart, talented, compassionate woman and nurse! She had a gift for teaching and a sharp wit!
She loved her family foremost and often shared tales about them! She was a treasure and will be missed by all of the patients she cared for and the many medical personnel she mentored!
March 29, 2017
Gerald De Luca
Dear Members of the Wilkinson Family, Words fail me to express adequately my sincerest and deepest condolences upon the loss of Ann. May she rest in peace!
March 28, 2017
What a wonderful, special lady. I have wonderful memories of Mr and Mrs Wilkinson who welcomed me into their home countless times over the many years. Ms Ann will be greatly missed. Jay, Terri, Tom, Steve, Judy, Lynn and Matt please know that you are all in my prayers and I cherish the time we spent together over the years.
God Bless
Pat Pereira
March 28, 2017
Lynn and family,
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together!! She was such a beautiful person!! She will live in your hearts forever!!
Love,
The Lee's
March 28, 2017
Ann welcomed me into the Wilkinson clan 50 years ago when I married one of her brothers-in-law (Jim Wilkinson). We instantly became kindred spirits. I will miss her terribly & she will always have a special place in my heart. RIP Toots!
March 28, 2017
Annette Damron
Lynn and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounded like a wonderful person. She has made an imprint on all of your lives. Our prayers are with you. Annette, Chad and Colby
March 28, 2017
Jay & Sue Wilkinson
All our love, Mom.
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