Gail Helgason Loviza Dies

Gail Helgason Loviza passed away Friday, September 5, 2014, at River Region Medical Center after a lengthy illness.  She was 77.

One of four children, she was the daughter of T. A. and Eva Callaway Helgason of Vicksburg.

She graduated from St. Francis Xavier Academy and continued her education at Incarnate Word College, Dominican College, and Loyola University of New Orleans.  Gail enjoyed bridge, music, and her family. She was a reserved lady of distinction.

Gail's career was in the hospital field, serving as administrative assistant to Sister Eva Loyocano, manager of Mercy Hospital.  After having her last child, Gail returned to her job and finished 30 years' service in medical records at Park View Regional Medical Center and Street Clinic.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ted Helgason; a sister, Charlotte Helgason; and her first husband, Julian Wooddy Barnett of New Orleans.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Joseph L. Loviza of Vicksburg; son, Julian W. Barnett Jr.; and daughters, Laura Barnett Stewart and Kathleen Loviza Miles (Daniel) of Vicksburg.  She has two granddaughters, Canada Stewart and Linley Miles.

Gail's surviving sibling is Julia H. Nichols.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2014, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. P. J. Curley, the Rev. Tom Lalor, and the Rev. Noel Prendergast officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday at Riles Funeral Home. Prayers will be at 7 p.m. in the chapel.
Active pallbearers will be Joe Curro, John W. Loviza, Mark Vedros, Tim Wright, Mike Stewart, Greg Curro, Dr. Keith Nichols, and Judge Allen Derivaux.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Ellis, Charles Peets, Albert Hossley, Harold Blackmon, Dr. Clyde Muse, Chad Shealy, Fred Lee, George Roesch, Sam Lusco, Charles Kette, Fred Groome, Joe Durst, Louis Renaud, Bobby Alvarado, Warren Doiron, Milton Barnett, Andrew Romano, Joan H. Leese, Thelma R. Koestler, Joan C. Donovan, Gertrude B. Lyons, Sister Paulinus Oakes, Lana Gray, Debra Smith, Tom Irby, Francine Fox Nosser, Judge Frank Vollor, Dr. Buddy Strickland, Sheriff Martin Pace, Jack O'Neill, Jerome Curro, Bill Loviza, Michael Helgason, John Miles, Chris Curro, Phil Vedros, Tom Patin, Bill Lauderdale and Bobby Barlow.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Edney, Dr. Bill Wooten, and the staff of River Region Medical Center for their kind treatment of Gail.  Her caregivers, Lana Gray and Debra Smith, are to be commended also.

Memorial may be given in Gail's memory to the Loviza Trust at Vicksburg Catholic School, to St. Michael Catholic Church, to the Sisters of Mercy, or to a favorite charity.