Giustina Lefante Persich

Giustina Lefante Persich, 62, passed away on January 10, 2023, after a valiant fight and her third face-off with cancer. She was a devoted, loving wife, mother, “GG”, sister, friend and co-worker.  She was born on December 30, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she graduated from Dominican High School and Loyola University. She earned her juris doctor from Loyola NewOrleans School of Law. As an attorney, she was accomplished in many  areas, but her steadfast loyalty to those in need led to her greatest achievements through her work in child protection and under the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.

Giustina is survived by her wife, Liz Messina; her daughter Samantha (Andrew) Conde; her son Jeremy (Jamie) Messina; her grandchildren Dylan Degruise, Jordan Degruise, Connor Degruise, Cullen Messina and Oliver Conde; her brother Johnny (Sharon) Lefante and sister-in-law, Mary Lefante; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear lifelong friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley Lefante, and her brother, Val Lefante.

Giustina adored her children and especially her grandchildren. She was an amazing partner in life to Liz, always ready for the next adventure. She kept life exciting and kept Liz on her toes. Though her daily work was mentally and physically draining, she always strived to enjoy life. She never shied away from having a good time or enjoying a good laugh. Her favorite place to escape was Disney World, where she had countless adventures with her family. Giustina’s love for Mardi Gras was second to none. In December of every year, she looked forward to getting the Mardi Gras Guide so she could start working on her plan of attack for the upcoming season. She loved shopping for Mardi Gras beads and trinkets to throw from the floats during her rides in the Krewe of King Arthur and many others. She always took a deep breath when she entered the carnival store and would say, “Do you smell it?” It was the smell of the plastic beads, which evoked the promise of the season yet to come. Oh, and her Saints. Giustina was forever a Saints fan. Good or bad. She even claimed Drew Brees as her son (or, at least he used to be). Giustina’s passion for cats and dogs is legendary. On any day, a 4-legged friend could show up on the front porch and find a home for life. Every time a pet went over the rainbow bridge, there were one or two more to take its place. She loved them all. Anyone who met Giustina remembered her. She could blend into the background or be the life of the party. She loved people and offered help and guidance to so many at difficult times in their lives. She expected nothing in return but the truth. She loved her co-workers and held them close, at every place she worked. Giustina was a divine, pure and true force of nature who will never be forgotten. A Texas memorial service was held Tuesday, January 17,2023.

To honor Giustina’s memory, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 1771 Stumpf Blvd., Terrytown, Louisiana.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Montgomery County Women’s Shelter or the Montgomery County Animal Shelter to further Giustina’s never-ending mission to help those in need.