Marigold Pascual
May 10, 1976 – July 11, 2023
New Orleans, LA

Marigold Pascual had a zest for life, a vibrant personality and the ability to light up a room with her infectious smile, humor, generosity, and authenticity. She had a colorful sense of style, sparkled more than glitter, with rhinestones, sequins, and feathers in abundance, flair in her hair, while always sharing her artful creations. Marigold was a talented chef and foodie hosting many dinner parties, "Springsgiving" or making home cooked meals for work colleagues. She was an artist creating hundreds of handmade fascinators, Mardi Gras headdresses, jewelry, art jackets, and costumes. Marigold loved her pop-up shops setting up at festivals, local bars, and shops around New Orleans. "Wear your art!" was one of her sayings.
She understood and practiced the power and value of friendship, love, and community. She loved fiercely. But make no mistake, she was a competitive Scrabble player and Karaoke singer and enjoyed winning every time. Marigold loved music especially the Soul Rebels. She marched and danced in many Carnivals and parades. She was hard to miss in her elaborate costumes. She loved to travel, enjoyed learning about diverse cultures, and sampling food from around the world.

Marigold was highly accomplished academically, earning a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Cum Laude, from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and a Master's in Business Administration, International Business & Marketing, from the University of Memphis. She led communications initiatives for Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours and the Louisiana Public Health Institute. Marigold also worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) serving as a Reservist and Program Liaison Specialist passionately supporting disaster response efforts in Louisiana and Florida from Hurricanes Ida and Ian. During her recent deployment to the Florida field office, she would bring her colleagues King cakes, kale chili, and Christmas trees and ornaments, spreading love and happiness by encouraging everyone to take Salsa dancing lessons, trying a new ice cream flavor and finding joy in the most mundane life circumstances. Always one step ahead of her travel plans, Marigold enthusiastically campaigned for her next assigned FEMA deployment to Guam. She was always looking forward to her next adventure.
Marigold was preceded in death by her father, Cesar Pascual. She is survived by her beloved life partner, John Rea; mother, Joylyn Pascual; brother, Jay Pascual; sister, Joyce Yamaato (Brent), nieces and nephews Ansley, Jack, Brenna, and Cole; cousin and best friend, Stephen Tarampi; numerous other cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends that she considered family. Her light has not left us, it is shining within us.

The family held a visitation on July 15 at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, FL. A public Celebration of Life will be held on July 29 in New Orleans with a Second Line Brass Band procession starting at the Kingpin around 5:30 p.m. Festive attire, fascinators, and dancing are a must! A special Mass will be held on August 26 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in New Castle, DE at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please buy yourself or others a gift by supporting local and independent artists, designers, musicians, and crafters in New Orleans. For a list of a few of Marigold's favorites, please go to https://www.facebook.com/artinthebend?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll!