Barbara Burrage Piper

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Barbara Burrage Piper on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. Mom was survived by her two children, Scott Daspit (and his wife, Lorie Gorbach) and Cheryl Geeting (and her husband, Ken). She also left behind her only sister, Debra (Chadwell) Horst (and her husband, Duanne).

Our mom spent the last chapter of her life with her son, Scott, which seemed appropriate since Mom always pictured herself "living in the country" near him in her golden years. When she needed a caregiver, she was welcomed into his home and surrounded with love. Mom found the best caregiver in her daughter-in-law, Lorie, and she was finally able to spend quality time with her children and family that cared for her so much.

Mom was affectionately called "Nan" by her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She had three grand-daughters, Christy (Daspit) Carter (married to JD Carter) , Angie (Daspit) Dillard (married to Jeffrey Dillard) and Erica (Geeting) Cromer (married to George "Clay" Cromer). She had several great-grandchildren, Cayden Kinmon, Carlee Kinmon, Sophia Carter, Ryan Carter, Bryce Dillard, Brantley Dillard, George "Orson" Cromer, and Maeve Cromer. Bryce and his wife, Lauren (Miller), welcomed Mom's first great-great-grandchild, Waylon Dillard, into the world in January, 2025. We were so glad that Mom was able to visit with him on several occasions before her passing. Mom loved visits from the little ones, and they always brightened her day. The kids will miss "Nan" and her brownies. Mom didn't care to spend much time in the kitchen, but she was proud of her brownies and baked mac-n-cheese!

Mom was born and raised in New Orleans, but spent a few years as a child in Hawaii with her mother, step-father, and sister. She often spoke about her cherished time in the tropical paradise, where she quickly made friends and learned to hula dance. When she arrived back in New Orleans, she met our Dad, Edward Daspit Jr., at 14 years young. They eloped when she was eighteen, and although their marriage didn't last they remained friends throughout her life. Mom then married another Eddie, Edward Guenard, who loved her two children as his own and also remained a friend of Mom's when their marriage later ended. 

After working as a secretary and a real estate agent, Mom found her passion in interior design. She left behind countless throw pillows, comforters and framed art, as she was always wanting to try something new. Her proudest accomplishment was having the privilege of decorating the Saenger theatre in New Orleans, where she did a beautiful job.

Our Mom was always classy and well dressed, and she was flattered when our Dad's father called her "a young Natalie Wood". With her dark hair and big brown eyes, Mom did resemble the beautiful actress. Her natural beauty remained until her death. 

Mom was pre-deceased by her father, Frank Burrage, her mother, Lorraine (Schiro) White and her cousin, Gayle (Frey) Prattini. Her mother was a full-blooded Sicilian, and Mom loved her hot tea, pasta and a good cannoli! She didn't know Italian, except for the word "Mongia", which means "eat"! 

We know Mom is now reunited with her parents and her beloved cousin, who was taken way too soon. She will be missed by all of us, including her many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.

We would love to hear your thoughts and memories of our mom, so please feel free to share them with us. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at https://donorservices.alz.org. We need to find a solution for the many people and families that are affected by this and similar diseases.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.