Thelma Marie Simon Tucker

She was born in Vacherie, Louisiana and raised by Joseph and Aurelie Simon after her mother, Odette Simon, passed away when she was a young child. She was the youngest of five brothers and one sister. She grew up on St. Joseph Plantation and had a wonderful childhood surrounded by her family, aunts, uncles, and cousins who also lived on the plantation.

A graduate of St. James High School’s class of 1954, with a perfect attendance award. She moved to New Orleans and lived with her sister, Louise at the YWCA while attending Spencer Business College. She spoke French and loved to go dancing with her friends. She had a real “Joie de Vivre” about her.

She was married to Frank Tucker for twelve years and had four children. She devoted her time to raising her children, who were her pride and joy. There was nothing that she would not do for them. She worked at Sonny Randon Photography Studio for over 30 years and was beloved by everyone. She was well known for her French Louisiana cooking and baking. Friends and family still request her famously delicious, lemon cake and pecan pie. Thelma was ever the hostess; family reunions, fish fry on Lenton Fridays and all the family holidays. She became a grandmother to six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She showered them with an abundance of love and was fondly known as “MaMère”.

She led a full and happy life marked by her faith in God, dedication to her four children, extended family, community, and profession.

Thelma is survived by her loving children, Bruce Tucker (Karen), Kathleen Champagne, Susanne Lulich (AJ), and Melanie Goode (Tommy); her cherished grandchildren, Bruce Jr. (Beth), Tiffany Harmon, Kristen Champagne-Battel (Mike), Victoria Lulich McCray M.D. (Casey), Alexander Lulich (Victoria), and Catherine Lulich; her great grandchildren, Allie Harmon, Audrie Harmon, Bryce Tucker, and George McCray, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend our gratitude for the care of our mother to PACE New Orleans, Wynhoven Community Care Center and Notre Dame Hospice. And a special thank you to Maria Babb and Mary Wilson for their loving and compassionate care.

A mass will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 Sixth Street, Gretna, Louisiana 70056. A private burial service will be held at a later date.