Maria Ruth Barone Tully

Maria Ruth Barone Tully passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 89. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a longtime resident of Kenner, Louisiana, Maria lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service to her community. Maria was the beloved wife of the late John Paul Tully, with whom she shared a loving marriage of 52 years after meeting at Redemptorist High School. They married in 1959 and built a beautiful life together, raising their four children and making Kenner their home beginning in 1964. Their neighborhood and the community they found through Wentwood Playground became an important part of their family's life, where both Maria and John devoted countless hours working and volunteering alongside lifelong friends. She was the loving mother of John Paul Tully, Jr., Terence Patrick Tully (Donna), Kathleen Tully Godfrey (Jerry), and the late Peggy Tully Richmond (the late Bobby). Maria was the proud grandmother of Renee Tully, Kasey Dukes, Brandon Godfrey, Terence Tully, Jr., and Trent Tully, and cherished great-grandmother of Zachary Tully, Brody Cousans, Kathleen Dukes, Olivia Godfrey, Kolbie Dukes, Grady Godfrey, Karlee Dukes, and Braxton Tully. She was the beloved daughter of the late Wilhelmina Ruth Blake Barone and Albert Benedict Barone. She was the cherished sister of Jo Elena Barone Faraj Musleh (Fouad), Theresa Barone Lambert (the late Michael), and the late Albert B. Barone, Jr. and William Blake Barone. Maria believed in giving back to her community. She generously volunteered at Lakeside Hospital and proudly served during the King Tut exhibit and the Vatican Pavilion at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. She was a proud American who valued service, community, and the friendships she made throughout her life. She embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. Maria loved traveling, attending sporting events, and playing volleyball. She also enjoyed gathering with friends for games of Pokeno and Bunco, where laughter and friendly competition were always part of the fun. More than anything, she treasured time spent with her family, celebrating milestones, cheering on her children and grandchildren, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Maria will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, unwavering devotion to her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her love, inspired by her example, and grateful for the countless memories they will carry with them always. Her loving spirit and the values she instilled in those around her will continue to be felt for generations to come. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care and compassion shown to Maria by the staff at The Harvard House, Hospice Specialists of Louisiana, Swan Dental, and Dr. Earl Peter Park. Their kindness, dedication, and support brought comfort to Maria and her family and will always be remembered. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Mass at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, on Monday, July 20, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Maria Ruth Barone Tully

May 26, 1937 - July 14, 2026