Holly Haygood

Holly Mary Haygood left this life and entered another on January 24, 2023, at the age of 64.Holly was preceded in death by her parents, John Haygood, Mary McGill Haygood and her brothers, Reid Alexander Haygood and Scott McGill Haygood. She is survived by her beloved wife, Debra Morris of New York City. Holly was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 2, 1958.The family moved to New Orleans soon after her birth and Holly grew up in Metairie. Holly was very worldly and had a “joie de vivre”, most likely inspired by her mother when she was growing up. Holly attended Centenary College of Louisiana where she was a Chi Omega, just like her mother Mary. Holly was an accomplished tennis player and a member the tennis team while at Centenary. After leaving Centenary, Holly lived with her brother Scotty and Miss Mary in the Historic French Quarter. Holly was well-known as an engaging local, a familiar face and name with many hosts, bellmen, and regulars at her cherished places. The Napolean House, Galatoires, and the Rib Room it the Royal Orleans were just a few of her favorites to entertain friends, neighbors and make lasting memories with her family. Holly set her sights on expanding her horizons and living out a lifelong dream by moving to Manhattan. Here, she had a hugely successful career as an Executive Search Consultant specializing in the publishing industry. She established many lasting relationships both professionally and personally. Not long after moving to the NYC, Holly met the love of her life, her soulmate, her wife, Debra Morris. Debra, a prominent event planner and Holly lived life to its fullest, traveling the world, hosting parties, and established a comfortable home together with their cat Mickey. Friends still talk about “The 2004 Wedding” lavishly adorned and lovingly celebrated at the St. Regis Hotel. Known for her outpouring generosity Holly was always willing to help a friend, neighbor or even a stranger in need. In her time, Holly had more style and grace than most can imagine. Her love of music and cinema was well known. She introduced so many to her beloved black and white movies and the music of Burt Bacharach. Often challenging her brother Scotty, she could quickly quote or name titles of the classics. Her love for music was often shared by gifting her personal mix of music on tape or CD, a treasure to be held. Holly’s greatest gift and legacy is that she elevated hospitality to an art and her graciousness to friends, family, and everyone she met. A dear friend of Hollys said it best...“I can count on one hand the women in my life who have truly shaped me. From her I learned Patience, ...Genuine kindness...To love without hesitation...To never harbor regrets...How to forgive...And how to live truly free.” Tributes to Holly can be made with a donation to one of the following charities. Her Passion: The Film Foundation (Preservation and Education) www.film-foundation.org Her Mission: City Meals on Wheels (Nourishing the homeless) www.citymealsonwheels.org New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service "Celebrating Life" www.nofcs.com

Holly Haygood

August 2, 1958 - January 24, 2023