It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Linda Hentze Vernaci in her home on the night of June Seventeenth, 2026.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Cyril G. Hentze and Aline Streck Hentze on the Twenty-Ninth of October 1943, faith and family were centered in Linda's life.

Linda grew up in New Orleans in the embrace of the church. She graduated from Annunciation High School with honors and attended Loyola University. She worked for the Archdiocese of New Orleans for a number of years, and as a legal secretary, before starting her career with 1st Lake Properties.

Peter, her devoted husband of 57 years, and their children, were her greatest joys in life. She was blessed with a wonderful family and lifelong friends. Linda was a kind and loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Linda's faith remained strong throughout her life, she attended daily mass, assisted in children's ministry, participated in bible study, and was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. When she wasn't serving her faith, Linda enjoyed reading and was active in book clubs, she also enjoyed sewing, baking, playing pokeno, tennis, and yoga. Linda could often be found in her garden, or walking in nature. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Linda Hentze Vernaci was preceded in death by her parents: Cyril G. Hentze, and Aline Streck Hentze; and her sister Elaine McCraney (Edward).

She is survived by her husband, Peter J. Vernaci; her children: Peter Vernaci (Suzette), Janine Hodges (Robert) and Melissa Cochran (Jay); Grandchildren: Madison, Peter, Jaclyn, Caroline, James, Anna, and Mary; many nieces and nephews; her sister Denise Hentze, brother Cyril Hentze, and sister-in-law Cheryl Hentze.

A funeral mass will be held for Linda Hentze Vernaci on the Twenty-Fourth of June 2026 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church located at 1501 W Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and conclude at 12:00 with mass to follow immediately after. 

The Vernaci family will hold a private inurnment ceremony at a later time.

Her strong commitment to her Catholic faith and ministry inspired everyone around her and her legacy of faith, passed down to her children and grandchildren, will continue for generations to come.