Whewellene Fischer
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Whewellene's obituary
Whewellene Williamson Fischer, devoted mother and grandmother, died December 9th of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 85.
She was born March 3, 1937 in Brunswick, Georgia. Her family relocated to New Orleans, where she was raised and graduated from Alcée Fortier High School. She loved the culture of New Orleans.
Whewellene (pronounced YOU-LEEN) met Alvin J. Fischer, Jr. at a bus stop on Broadway Street in the late 1950s. They married on November 5, 1960 and were married for 61 years. Al died of the same awful disease in June 2021. They had two children, Randall Alvin Fischer, who served in the U.S. Marines and runs a business in Mandeville, and Staci Ann Fischer, a graduate of Tulane University and the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. She is an infectious disease specialist in Rhode Island.
Whewellene worked for many years in administration for the Orleans Parish School Board and in the Education Department at Loyola University. She was a stenographer for the school board when members discussed admitting Ruby Bridges, the first black child to attend a white public school in 1960 when, accompanied by US Marshalls, Bridges desegregated Franz Elementary school on November 14, 1960.
She and Al, as he was universally known, lived in New Orleans East and later in Mandeville. He was an accomplished cook and quintessential New Orleanian. They were known as a couple that welcomed friends and family into their home for special events and holidays. They worshipped at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and, when they moved to Mandeville, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church.
She was a diligent worker who was deeply focused on her family. Her children and grandchildren were the beneficiaries of her love and devotion. She reveled in the nickname “Meme” that was bestowed on her by her eldest grandchild, Bethany Helbach. Whewellene spent many hours with her grandchildren and showered them with love and attention. Their homes were always decked out for the holidays and she was known as a wonderful hostess. She will be sorely missed this Christmas.
She is survived by her son Randall, known as Randy, who lives in Mandeville and her daughter Staci and Staci’s husband Scott MacKay, who live in Bristol, Rhode Island. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Bethany Helbach of Orlando, Florida, Brooke Fischer and Miles Fischer of Kenner, and Haleigh Fischer of Mandeville.
Arrangements were handled by Grace Funeral Home. A private family service was held. The Rev. Jack Boudreaux officiated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Fischer family.
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