Althea Helen Savage

Althea Helen Savage peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Althea was born on November 7, 1925, and was a native of Auckland, New Zealand. She met her husband, Houston Zack Savage, who was in the U.S. Navy stationed in the Pacific. As a war bride she came to the United States on a troopship carrying Japanese prisoners arriving in San Francisco. After traveling to Jackson and Pascagoula, they returned to New Zealand and resided there for ten years before returning to the states. She enjoyed gardening, decorating, reading and was a wonderful seamstress. She was also a ladies exercise instructor with the City of Biloxi.

Althea was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Francis Preston of Auckland, New Zealand; brother, Jack Preston of Auckland, New Zealand; husband, Houston Zack Savage of Biloxi, MS; and daughter, Francine Katherine Savage of Biloxi, MS.

Survivors include her daughters, Robin Ann Hebert (Tommy, Sr.) of D’Iberville, MS, Rebecca Foret (Glenn) of Biloxi, MS, Rochelle Decicco (Jim) of Fair Oaks, CA; grandchildren, Tommy Hebert, Jr. (Linda), Sean Hebert, Chad Hebert (Denise), Christopher Foret (Karlene), Cherie Gerlits (Danny), Alex Decicco, and Elizabeth Decicco; great-grandchildren, Dr. Justin Hebert (Nikki), Dallas Hebert, Saige Hebert, Rylan Hebert, Zachary Foret, Gabrielle Foret, Conner Gerlits, Caroline Gerlits, and Cate Gerlits; and her great-great grandchildren, Finn Hebert, Blair Hebert, and baby Zane Hebert due in December 2023.

Althea is also survived by a sister, Beverly Pooley of Auckland, New Zealand; numerous nieces and nephews in New Zealand; and her dear friends, Kevin Clay, Joyce Kotulski, Doris Kitch, and Geneva Bunch and her family.

We will all truly miss our beloved mom, nanny, and great nanny. Her precious smile and gentle nature we will dearly miss.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Greenbriar Nursing Center and to Vital Caring Hospice for all of their loving care and compassion for our mom.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Althea Helen Savage.