Dani Antoinette Dominici Babineaux

She passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2024 at her home in Chalmette, Louisiana.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 28 years, Alvin Babineaux and siblings, Dawn Dominici Cahall (late Alvin), David Dominici (Gaynell), Ralph J. Dominici, III (Janel) and Robert David (Cherie). Adoring Nane to Morryne B. Gioia (Michael), Stefanie D. Nadeau (Andrew), Sarah Hoffman, Riess Dominici and Jacob David. Great Nane to Seth Ledig (Addison Gnadt) and Stella Ledig, Hayley Guerra, Christian Pagan, Faith and Gavin Nadeau, Andrew Nadeau, Jr. and Isaiah Bergeron. Great-great Nane to Greyson Ledig.

Dani owned and operated Tapestry Linens and Décor for 20 years. She operated out of various locations in Arabi and Chalmette during that time and hosted/decorated many events for family and friends in addition to her business events. She retired in 2021.

The following excerpt was written by Amy Trail, a dear friend of Dani and Alvin, and it captures the essence of Dani:

"When I first came to Pat O’Brien’s piano bar, one very special person took me in as her own. Dani Dominici Babineaux was the colorful wife of Alvin Babineaux, the infamous tray player from Pat O’Brien’s.

Dani was an all-or-nothing lady. She loved you with all her heart and there was nothing you could do to ever change that. Dani grew up in the Bywater and later moved to Arabi/Chalmette, where she would spend the next 5 decades.

Like everyone in their 20s, I went through many periods of loneliness, uncertainty and horrible life decisions. Dani was ALWAYS there as a fierce advocate, loving mother figure and sassy compatriot. She had loads of crazy stories from her youth that always reassured me that nothing I had done was that bad, comparatively.

Every time you came over to their home there was plenty to eat. Her house was filled with treasures and she’d load you up with a ton of them any time you’d visit.

She was the caretaker of broken humans. Whether it be an old woman who didn’t have family, a young man who was estranged from his family or a young mother who needed a helping hand.

She was also the caretaker of broken pets, taking in countless strays over the years that nobody else wanted. Dogs that regularly cost her thousands of dollars to “fix” but she did without hesitation.

Dani as she entered her golden years adopted a “turn the page” mentality and became as zen as a Yat can attain.

She was so funny and so smart! A world-traveler, Dani would randomly drop some crazy story about those travels.

Alvin and Dani’s love story was utterly ridiculous. A real life Vic and Natly, plodging about, dripping with lewd jokes, fun gossip, cheeky sashays and spoilages of love. No two people were more ridiculously in love and perfect for each other. It was like watching Lucy and Ricky fight one minute and gush the next.

I have a hole in my heart and a knot in my throat knowing she left us too soon. It’s weird though, I can see her ambling through heaven and making herself at home."

Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Church, 3037 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70117. Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Celebration of life following the mass will be in the Parish Hall on the church grounds – in the rear of the church parking lot. Interment will be private.