JoAnne Ehrhard

JoAnne Katz Ehrhard, age 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 6, 2026, in Covington, Louisiana. Born on October 1, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, JoAnne lived a life marked by unwavering faith, tireless advocacy, and deep love for her family and community.

After attending LSUNO, JoAnne pursued a career as a registered and certified Medical Technologist. She had the opportunity to work with incredible people at Expressway Medical Center, Westside Pediatrics, and West Jefferson Hospital. Her professional path was only one facet of her remarkable life. As the mother of two sons with mental and physical challenges, JoAnne became a fierce advocate for children with disabilities. She dedicated herself to ensuring that these children received the education and support they deserved without compromising their dignity or disrupting the learning environment of others.

Her vision led to a groundbreaking approach to mainstreaming children with disabilities into public schools. She proposed that while these students could attend the same school as their peers, they should be taught in separate classrooms tailored to their needs while sharing communal spaces where all students could interact and learn from one another. This inclusive model was successfully implemented at Harry S. Truman School in Marrero, Louisiana—a school she helped name and shape.

The large communal area she championed became a symbol of unity and understanding among students of all abilities.

JoAnne’s devotion extended beyond advocacy into her spiritual life. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and found great joy in teaching Catechism to children preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Jane de Chantel Parish in Abita Springs, LA, & St. Michael the Archangel Mission Church in Bush, LA. Her faith was the cornerstone of her resilience; despite facing many hardships throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her faith and never waivered.

She also expressed her creativity through mosaic art. One of her most cherished works was a large mosaic depiction of St. Francis of Assisi—a testament to both her artistic talent and spiritual depth.

JoAnne was a loving and devoted wife to Sidney C. Ehrhard Jr., with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Together they built a family rooted in love and strength. She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Ann Ehrhard; Son Joseph Anthony Hurst; grandson Nicholas Edward Ehrhard and his wife Shelby; great-grandchildren Piper Kate Ehrhard, Brooks Henry Ehrhard, and Olive Elizabeth Ehrhard; sister Suzanne Katz Farrar; nephew Bryan Alan Farrar and his wife Monica; nephew Dr. Richard Guthrie and his wife Joan; niece Michelle Guthrie-Brown and her wife Robin; brother-in-law Richard Guthrie; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Captain Joseph T. Katz and Dorothy Callaghan Katz, as well as her cherished son Stephen Gerard Ehrhard.

JoAnne’s generosity knew no bounds—she would help anyone in need without hesitation. Her spiritual devotion was beyond compare, guiding every aspect of her life with grace and humility.

She will also be missed by her beloved dogs Sunny and Brady.

A funeral service celebrating JoAnne’s life will be held January 15, 2026 at Bagnell & Son Funeral Home 75212 LA 437 Covington, Louisiana 70435.

May JoAnne’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and may her legacy continue to inspire compassion, inclusion, and faith for generations to come.