Retiree Deanna Jean Schoenfeld Spence succumbs; memorial Sunday

DEANNA JEAN SCHOENFELD SPENCE, a retiree from San Diego, California, who moved to New Orleans several years ago,  passed away peacefully at home on August 10 from Alzheimer’s Disease.

A native of Portland, OR., she was predeceased by her husband of 54 years CE Spence.

Spence originally worked at Pacific Northwest Bell as a telephone operator, but later became a sales representative for hospitals and universities coordinating phone systems. When she retired, she was working for AT&T.

She enjoyed painting furniture and remodeling houses. During the years her children were in school, Spence was an active member in the PTA and helped lead Girl Scout units.

Spence’s flair for the dramatic led her to create an alter ego, the “Lewis School Witch.” She visited classrooms at Halloween time in search of children to “steal away.” Despite the onset of her illness, her wicked sense of humor and her fondness for the work of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton remained with her as she costumed through the streets of New Orleans.

Survivors include her daughters Gretchen Zalkind (David), Jenifer Jackson and Jill Fontana (Michael) of California, her sister Karen Siri of Portland and six grandchildren.

Friends and family are encouraged to attend a celebration of her life on Sunday, August 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Zalkind family home.