Karen Ann Despeaux Callais

Karen Ann Despeaux Callais, born August 21st, 1945 was reunited with her husband of 50 years, Evan Joseph Callais (Junior), on August 10th, 2021. Mother to Dr. Mari Ann Callais (Marie Arnone) and Suzette Callais (Linda Adams), she became known as "Mimi" when she was gifted with her grandchildren Lindsey (Sean) Mayo, Callie (Rachel) Hines and Emily Hines (Justin Coleff) , and great-grandmother to Lilith and Selena Mayo. As the matriarch of the family, "Mimi" taught all the women listed above how to be resilient. It was her loving heart and kind spirit that allowed her to become known as "Mimi" to all who walked into her life. A lifetime resident of Buras, La until 2005, she co-owned the family's business, Especially for You Florist, for 25 years. Most recently, people of the Ponchatoula, La community, where Karen spent the last 16 years of her life, could find her prepping food in the kitchen at the family's restaurant, named after her late husband, Pappy's StowAway Cafe. She is sorely missed and will be remembered by everyone dearly. Surviving her are brother, Johnny Despeaux and her sister-in-law Kim Despeaux, nephew Rhett John Despeaux (Katy), nieces Rachel, Lauren, and Victoria Despeaux, Samira, Rylan Despeaux and Cole. Brother-in-laws Jimmy (Arlene) Callais and Dickie ( Debra) Callais, Charlotte Callais and Jennifer Callais and Billy Brister. She is survived and also preceded in death by a host of cousins and Aunts and Uncles in which she loved dearly. Karen is preceded in death by her mother and father, Bernadette & Roy Despeaux; brother-in-laws Terry and Black Callais; sister-in-laws Barbara and Tommy McGin and Gail Brister.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation Saturday, August 14th, 2021 at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd. Hammond, Louisiana 70401 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm, with a celebration of life beginning at 6:00 pm in the chapel.  We will lay her and the love of her life to rest at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the following web address: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/KarenCallais

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.