Theodora H. Gomez

Theodora “Mawmaw Theo” Gomez, Born May 6, 1938 of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most during the days leading up to her passing.

Theodora was the life of every party, a natural caregiver, and the kind of woman who made everyone feel like family. Known for her quick wit, goofy personality, many wigs, and signature phrases like “Take it easy, greasy, you’ve got a long way to slide!” and “See ya later, alligator... after while, crocodile… not so soon, ya big baboon,” she brought joy to every room she entered.

Theodora had a zest for life and an appreciation for the simple joys. She loved to dance—whether at family gatherings or just around the house. She loved taking the bus to the casino, where she made friends with everyone she met. A true foodie, some of her favorite treats were chocolate, fried eggplant, and charbroiled oysters. Her greatest joy came from being with family, and she had a special way of making everyone feel loved and seen—whether she was singing “Happy Birthday” in her best Marilyn Monroe impression, FaceTiming her grandchildren daily, or welcoming loved ones into her home. Her warmth was magnetic, and her door was always open.

She spent her life lifting up and caring for others—through prayer, laughter, and love. A devout Christian, she led the church prayer list for St. Christopher Catholic Church for many years with unwavering faith and compassion. She loved God and her family with all her heart. Theodora was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel Ray Neitzschman. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Gomez; her sister, Margaret Wild; her brother, Joseph Neitzschman Jr.; her son-in-law, Jefferson Hirt; and her nephew Michael Wild. She is survived by her brothers, Robert and Theodore Neitzschman; her children, Catherine Hirt, Angela Sparks (Scott), and Christopher Gomez (Jaime); and her dog Charlie. She was a devoted grandmother to Gretchen (Timothy), Alexis (Tony), Stacey (Glenn), Scotty (Ashley), Samantha and Addison; and a cherished great-grandmother to Olivia, Indie, Scotty, Sandor, Sophia, Syler, Jaedon, Foster Fulton and Finn. In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by a large extended family and many cherished friends who will miss her deeply.

Theodora’s legacy lives on in the kindness she showed, the faith she shared, and the laughter she inspired in everyone lucky enough to know her. She always said, “You’re the best!” — and to all of us, Mawmaw Theo, “no, you’re the best!”

A private burial will be held for immediate family. In accordance with her wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family kindly requests no flowers.