Gay Rita Jastram Lee

Gay Rita Jastram Lee, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on July 10, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Lloyd Jastram and Orlea Enniger Jastram. A devoted parishioner of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond, Louisiana, she was a cherished member of the community and a beloved mother and grandmother. A resident of Hammond for over twenty years, Gay was also a former resident of Kenner, Louisiana, and Picayune, Mississippi. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a steadfast love and dedication to her family. She took great joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Gay had a passion for clothing and fashion. She loved playing games, celebrating holidays, and was a big fan of LSU and the Saints. Gay was a sweet soul and everyone that knew her loved her. She will be deeply missed by so many.

Gay is survived by her children, William Hugh "Bill" Lee III, Karen Lee Arnouville (Chris), Linda Lee LaMonte, and Felicia Kay Lee Brown (Troy); grandchildren, Virginia, Nicole, Jacob, and Hannah; step-grandchildren, Kristina and Kenneth; great grandchildren, Chloe, Paul, Lance and Ivy; several step-great grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Hingle; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Gay was preceded in death by her husband, William Hugh Lee Jr.; step-grandchild, Korie; sister and brother-in-law, Renelda and Joe Marchand; and brother-in-law, Norwood Hingle.

Family and friends will be received at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 9:00 am until the Funeral Mass begins at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gay Lee's memory to Catholic Charities at www.donate.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.