Anthony Joseph (Stony) Gendusa III

GENDUSA Anthony Joseph (Stony) Gendusa III passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010. Age 43 years. Beloved husband of Shelley High Gendusa. Son of Patti O'Neill Palmer and Anthony Joseph Gendusa, Jr. Stepson of Robert L. Palmer and Lisette Copping Gendusa. Brother of Anne Gendusa Smith, Robert L. Palmer Jr., Andrew G. Palmer and Lee P. Palmer. Also survived by 10 nieces and nephews. Stony was a full partner in the architectural firm of Anthony J. Gendusa Jr., AIA, serving as an Architectural Designer.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, #12 Bilbo Hill Dr., Poplarville, MS, on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 4:30 PM until 6:30 PM and Monday morning from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery). A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leonard C. Thomas Foundation, 1340 Poydras St., Suite 1850 New Orleans, LA 70112 Attn: Judy Ogle or the Touro Infirmary Foundation, 1401 Foucher St., New Orleans, LA 70115 preferred.

(Stony is the son of Patti Palmer, SFO, and stepson of Robert Palmer,SFO, both members of Our Lady of the Pearl Franciscan community in Pearlington, MS. Our Lady of the Pearl extends to Stony, his wife Shelley, and the family, all our love and prayers during this time of your great sorrow.)

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Letter to Shelley

Shelley & Stony Gendusa

Friday, April 9,2010

Dear Shelley, Stony's mom and my dearest friend Patty called early this morning to give us the sad news. My heart hurts for you and the family. I have looked at Stony’s FaceBook page several times today, wanting to know him better, read his own words and the words of his friends. I have read the posts, looked at the pictures many times and cried a little. On his FB page, one can see how much you loved each other and what a zest and joy that Stony had for living. You celebrated life together.

In my mind’s eye, I see the picture of you two (“Climbing in the RZR”), Stony at the wheel, speeding across the farm, you hanging on for dear life and both of you laughing.

On​e of today’s posts on Stony’s FB page seemed to sum up all the many tributes made. This writer said: “This beautiful man, a gentle giant, a hero, touched the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know him. We will miss his sweet smile and easy chuckle. We will think of him often. We will love him forever.” To this, I say AMEN.

Dear Shelley, Stony’s precious and loving wife, “Did you ever know that you're my hero, and ev'rything I would like to be?”

May the God of All Comfort and Love be with you tonight and always.

Love & Prayers,
Oui​da

Our Lady of the Pearl Fraternity - Canonical Establishment - August 23, 2008

All Creatures of Your God and King

In praise and thanksgiving for the canonical establishment of Our Lady of the Pearl Secular Franciscan Fraternity, St. Joseph Chapel, Pearlington, Mississippi, August 23, 2008.

Canonical Establishment for Our Lady of the Pearl

Archbishop Rodi Signs Official Documents
for Canonical Establishment

After a long wait of almost ten years and a hurricane or so, Our Lady of the Pearl has been approved for canonical establishment. This dream of Our Lady of the Pearl members began before the first members were professed on October 17, 1999. The long and rigorous journey is coming to an end at last. Approval has been given by St. Teresa of Avila, the sponsoring fraternity in New Orleans, St. Joan of Arc Region and the Provincial Delegate for the OFM.

In the final step in the approval process for canonical establishment, members of Our Lady of Pearl met with Archbishop Thomas Rodi in Biloxi, Mississippi, on July 8, 2008. The Archbishop signed the official documents, also giving his approval.


Pictured above, sitting from left to right, Carol Heavey, SFO, Eileen Chapoton, SFO, Archbishop Thomas Rodi, and Bobbye Maggio, SFO. Standing from left to right, Bob Palmer, SFO, Ouida Tomlinson, SFO, Ann Seale, SFO, and Patty Palmer, SFO.

Date of Canonical Establishment

The date of canonical establishment for Our Lady of the Pearl Secular Franciscan Fraternity is set for August 23, 2008. It will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Center, Pearlington, MS. Friends and family are invited.


St. Joseph Church was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina with only the steps remaining. The Center is towards the back of the grounds.