Mary Rachel Andrews Garafola

Mary Rachel Andrews Garafola passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 94. She was born on Thursday, October 1, 1931, in Faison, North Carolina to the late James Edmund Andrews, Sr. and Mattie Hatcher Andrews. Mary was working as a secretary when she met Sam in North Carolina. Sam was working for the Federal Government. Mary married her husband Sam in 1948 and moved to Louisiana. She was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana. Mary worked at SLU as an Administrative Assistant, retired then volunteered at North Oaks Hospital for 35 years. Mary loved going to church at First Baptist Church and loved our Lord. She loved her family. Mary loved reading the Bible every day, doing crosswords puzzles and reading many books.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Debbie Shapiro (Daniel); granddaughter, Allison Dandry (Bobby); and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Dandry, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Garafola, and her brothers, J.E Andrews and Donald Andrews.

Many thanks to all doctors, nurses, CNAs at The Landmark and all who always took great care of Mom. Also, Mona, Linda, and Jennifer who also helped and took great care of Mom.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 9:00 am until services begin at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Hammond, Louisiana.