Joyce Durand Chawla

Joyce Leonella Durand Chawla of New Orleans, LA, passed into the presence of her Savior while surrounded by her family on Friday, August 18, 2023. She was 69 years old. Joyce was the beloved wife of Naresh “Tony” Chawla of 43 years and devoted mother to their son Jonathan Sterling Chawla (Sarah). She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Joseph Durand II and Leonella Braselman Durand, as well as by her siblings: Ralph “Bubbie” Durand (Joy, Johnnie), Dorothy “Dot” Bonneval (Albert), and Dorothea “Tee” Walsh (Terrance). She is survived by many nieces and nephews and the extended Chawla family who have all embraced her and loved her fiercely.

Born and raised in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, Joyce was a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at an early age. She maintained a fervent prayer life throughout adulthood and served as a Sunday school teacher in her youth. She was most recently a member of Lakeview Christian Center.

Joyce worked for many years in Human Resources with the United Way and several local banks, where she enjoyed the satisfaction of matching employees with jobs that perfectly fit their interests and skills. Joyce left the corporate world after giving birth to her son in 1991, after which she relished and excelled in her primary role as full-time-mom, though her maternal nature blessed so many more than just her son. She lived for almost three decades with multiple sclerosis but faced her disability with ever-increasing faith and graciousness, citing the Holy Spirit as her continuous source of strength. Joyce enjoyed classic films, chocolate eclairs, watching the sun rise through her bedroom window, and visiting the Smoky Mountains, but most of all she loved any quality time with her husband, son, and new daughter-in-law. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Friends and family are invited to attend Joyce’s Service on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by services at 12:00 pm. Reception to follow at the church. Interment will be private. For expressions of love and sympathy, please visit www. tharpcares.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to One Heart NOLA (oneheartnola.com), which serves local children in the foster system, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org).

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