Deborah Jo "Debbi" Danna Melancon

Debbi was born in New Orleans to parents Clifford A Danna and Mary Kate Del Valle Danna on September 29, 1952. She is preceded in death by her parents. On January 3, 1981, she married Britt Paul Melancon, the love of her life, in a small ceremony at her parents’ home.

Debbi is survived by her loving and devoted husband of over 44 years, Britt Paul Melancon and their daughter, Meghan Melancon Martinez. She is also survived by three adored grandchildren: Isabelle Kate (12), Reese Paul (8), and Cole Nikolas (7) Martinez, who affectionately called her Debbi. She is survived by her siblings: Jay Clifford Danna (Kelly), MaryBeth Danna Guarisco and Tricia Danna King (Charlie); her niece and nephews: Chris, Michael, Scott and Christian; and her cousin Karen Del Valle Tampira (Tom). She was also considered a Nanny to the children of her lifelong best friend, Lynda Massa (Jerry) and considered family to friends Craig and Abbey Napoli and their children.

Debbi received her Masters in Special Education (M,Ed) from the University of New Orleans in 1984. She then began her lifelong career as a resource teacher at St. Francis Xavier School on Metairie Road where she taught for over 40 years. Her dedicated mission in teaching enabled her students to live fulfilled and productive lives. She was adored by Administrators, fellow teachers, and her pupils many of whom returned as adults to thank her for the positive impact she had on their lives.

Throughout her teaching career, Debbi received several awards and distinctions: notably, The Order of St. Louis IX Medallion, a cherished award given to a lay person in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, for their outstanding service to a church parish or Catholic Ministry. At a mass at St. Louis Cathedral on May 6, 2013, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond presented Debbi with the award for her dedicated service to St Francis Xavier School, parish and students.

In 2001, Debbi co-authored the report that won St. Francis Xavier the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S Department the Education. But most of her accomplishments were quiet deeds through her work as a teacher and dedicated volunteer. For over 30 years, she ran the School’s Annual Mission Fair, a successful fundraiser for the school and parish’s missions across the globe. She was also the moderator for the student council for over 35 years. She worked closely on numerous school activities and projects under beloved Msgr. Andrew “Father T” Taormina, former Pastor at St. Francis Xavier.

Upon Debbi’s retirement in 2022, the school built a garden in her honor, memorialized by a plaque and maintained by the student council. It is called Debbi’s Garden.

She will be honored at a private celebration of life.