10/15/2026
With profound gratitude, our family thanks everyone who surrounded Heidi and us with love, prayers, encouragement, and kindness throughout her long and courageous journey. Your compassion carried us through some of our darkest days, and it will remain a lasting source of comfort. We are forever grateful.
Funeral arrangements are noted at the end of this obituary.
Everyone is invited to her Celebration of Life.
In Loving Memory of Heidi Castagnetta
August 15, 1960 - October 12, 2026
“Forever loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten”.
Heidi Castagnetta, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 66. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, lasting friendships, and a legacy of love, dedication, and service that will never be forgotten.
Heidi is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Jay Castagnetta, and her four sons: Harold Allen III and his wife, Taylor, of Robert, Louisiana; her stepson, Joshua A. Castagnetta, of New Market, Alabama; Joshua R. Tzuanos, of Metairie, Louisiana; and Michael A. Castagnetta, of Mandeville, Louisiana. She was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren, Karson, Hope, and Thane Allen, who brought joy and love into her life. She is also survived by her sisters, Sherrie Winkler Helbach and her husband, Donald, and Rebecca Winkler Vath and her husband, Ray, sister-in-law Pam Winkler along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Heidi was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jacob “Jake” Winkler and Shirley Alexander Winkler, and her brother, Randy Winkler.
Heidi attended and graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels in New Orleans in 1978. From an early age, her first love was horses. Some of her fondest memories were made alongside her father, Jake, and her brother, Randy, spending countless hours riding, caring for horses at the stable, participating in parades, and riding throughout New Orleans East. Her love for those days never faded, and she could always be counted on to share stories of her youth and the special bond she had with her family and their horses.
Throughout her life, Heidi worked in the food and beverage industry, sharing her warmth, hospitality, and unmistakable personality at many establishments including Amber Jacks on the Lakefront, Fletcher’s Nightery in Fat City, and the Ernst Café in New Orleans. She was an outstanding hostess with a natural gift for making people feel welcome. When it came to planning a party or bringing people together, Heidi was the “go to girl”! Her energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail made every gathering special.
Heidi was also proud to serve as Captain of the Les Papillion’s Social Club, an organization she cherished, and she eagerly looked forward to its annual Bal Masque.
Perhaps one of Heidi’s greatest joys was her involvement with the Washington Artillery Veterans Association (WAVA) of the Louisiana Army National Guard. As an Associate Perpetual Member, she devoted countless hours to the association, overseeing both its food and merchandising programs. Her dedication and service earned her the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher Award, along with repeated recognition for her contributions to WAVA and the Battalion Washington Artillery. She especially loved attending the annual Saint Barbara Celebration, an occasion that reflected the pride, camaraderie, and friendships she held so dear.
Heidi gave generously of her time and talents to the organizations she loved, and her impact extended far beyond the work she did. She was a familiar and beloved presence to those around her, remembered for her welcoming spirit, her willingness to help, and her ability to make people feel like family. She touched countless lives through her service, friendship, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Heidi’s life was defined by the people she loved, the traditions she treasured, and the communities she served. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family and friends, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in all who knew her.
Heidi will be interred at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, Louisiana, at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 23, 2026. A Celebration of Life, including a brief Memorial Service, will follow at 1:00 PM, at Jackson Barracks, 6400 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, in the WAVA Room, Building 4800.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Heidi’s name to the Washington Artillery Veterans Association at www.washingtonartillery.org.
Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Covington, LA. See less
