Joan Himel Delafuente, 77, passed away on July 7, 2021, in Marietta, Georgia, from an extended illness. She was born in New Orleans on May 11, 1944, to Mabel Tallieu Himel and Warren Ambrose Himel, Sr. Joan was the youngest of four children including Warren Ambrose Jr.; Ronald Joseph; and Ann Marie Dumesnil.
Joan graduated from Our Lady of Fatima High School, in Lafayette, Louisiana, and excelled with an award in physics. In 1970, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in early child education. She later completed her education with a master’s degree in gerontology after retiring early from a long career with Bell South/AT&T as an analyst.
The art scene in Atlanta was something Joan greatly enjoyed and she often attended the symphony and theater. Spending time with her grandchildren, however, was always her favorite pastime. Growing up in Louisiana, Joan learned the importance of cooking incredible food and was heralded for her famous seafood gumbo. She was as generous with her honesty, money, and willingness to listen, as she was with her famous Southern dishes.
Joan’s constant love for her family will be deeply missed. She is survived by her son, Joseph Henriques Delafuente, and his wife, Heather Lynn Delafuente from Kennesaw, Georgia; granddaughter, Katherine Mabel; three grandsons, Gabriel Henriques, William Morris, and Noah David; her son, Dr. David Aaron Delafuente, and his wife, Tamara Lee Endicott from Houston, Texas; and granddaughter, Tess Endicott.
A memorial service will be held at McDonoghville Cemetery in Gretna on August 11th at 10:30 am. Gifts to the local food bank can be made in lieu of flowers.
