Joan Marie Blessey Anseman

Joan Marie Blessey Anseman, 91, of St. Martin, MS passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020, in Ocean Springs, MS. Mrs. Anseman was born on May 30, 1928, in New Orleans to Walter and Norma Blessey. She attended St. Anthony of Padua school and Delgado Trade School in New Orleans. She wed Alphonse Anseman, Jr., on August 9, 1952, and over the following 52 years they created a family and moved across country and oceans for various duty stations for Mr. Anseman's career in the US Air Force. In the mid-1970s, the Ansemans settled in St. Martin and have lived there ever since. Mrs. Anseman joined the ladies' organizations at both the VFW Post 6731 and Moose Lodge 332 in D'iberville where she was Queen of the Moose Lodge Mardi Gras Ball and she was nominated the Grand Collean for St. Patrick’s Day. She remained an active member until the early 2000s. Mrs. Anseman was an avid cake maker, crocheter, and bingo player. She made a mean pumpkin pie from scratch. She's held the title of "Grandmother of the Year" since 1977. She was feisty and had a quick wit. It was not uncommon for anyone within her earshot to hear "go take a long walk off a short pier" when she wanted some peace. On the opposite side of the coin, she was endearing and sweet. She always remembered her family's birthdays and made sure the birthday boy or girl had cake and ice cream for their special day. She never met a stranger and had an infectious laugh. She will be terribly missed by all that have known her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse Anseman Jr.; and her sons Alphonse Anseman III and John "Jack" Anseman. Mrs. Anseman is survived by her three daughters, Norma Anseman-Gomez, Patricia Anseman, and Jill Stanley; six grandchildren, Brian Anseman, Chrissa (Kyle) Germany, Mark (Stephanie) Karcher, Augusta (Patrick) Fisher, Sean Anseman, and Jennifer Stanley; and four great-grandchildren, Jakob Anseman, Mia Anseman, Ella Karcher, and Claire Staton. Visitation and Mass will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'iberville. Visitation will begin at 11am with Mass beginning at 1pm. Refreshments will be served immediately following Mass at the Moose Lodge 332 in D'iberville. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in New Orleans, LA at Greenwood Cemetery on Canal Street/City Park Avenue. Time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.