The vibrant spirit of New Orleans is often measured by the warmth of its people and the strength of its community. This week, that spirit is heavy with grief as the city mourns the heartbreaking loss of Felicity Hogan, a beloved figure in the local hospitality scene and a cherished bartender at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant. Felicity passed away on December 16, 2025, at the young age of 24. Born on January 2, 2001, her life—though tragically brief—was a masterclass in kindness, creativity, and the power of a radiant soul.
To many in the Warehouse District and beyond, Felicity was far more than the person behind the bar; she was the very embodiment of New Orleans hospitality. At Lucy’s, she became a fixture known for her infectious smile and a quick wit that could brighten even the rainiest afternoon. She possessed that rare, innate ability to make every person who walked through the door feel like the most important guest in the room.
Whether she was navigating the chaos of a busy Saturday night or sharing a quiet conversation with a longtime regular during a slow shift, Felicity treated everyone with the same genuine care. Her energy was magnetic; it wasn’t uncommon for patrons to visit Lucy’s specifically because they knew Felicity was on the schedule. She didn’t just serve drinks—she curated experiences and built a sense of belonging for locals and tourists alike.
Within the walls of Lucy’s, Felicity was the glue that held her team together. Her colleagues remember her as the ultimate professional—someone who took immense pride in her craft and never hesitated to support a coworker in need. Even in the high-pressure environment of the service industry, she remained a “breathtakingly calm” presence, often using her signature humor to break the tension of a difficult shift.
Her absence leaves a profound void in the “work family” she helped cultivate. To her coworkers, she wasn’t just a peer; she was a sister in the trenches of the industry, a confidante, and a constant source of positive reinforcement.
Beyond her professional life, Felicity was a woman of deep curiosity and an adventurous heart. She lived life with a “wide-open” perspective, constantly seeking out the beauty in the world around her. She was a lover of the arts and music—passions that resonated deeply with the creative pulse of New Orleans.
Friends describe her as a “safe harbor.” She was the person you went to when you needed to be heard without judgment and loved without reservation. Her compassion was her North Star; she had an uncanny, almost intuitive sense for when someone was struggling, and she was always the first to offer a hand or a word of encouragement.
Felicity’s life was defined by the quality of her relationships. She cherished her friends with a fierce loyalty, treating her inner circle like family. Her laughter, which many say could light up the entire block, was a sound that signaled comfort and joy to those who knew her best.
The news of her passing on December 16 has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit New Orleans service industry. Since the announcement, tributes have flooded in, painting a picture of a young woman who made a massive impact through small, everyday acts of grace. From a thoughtful conversation that changed someone’s day to a shared laugh that forged a lifelong friendship, Felicity’s influence was far-reaching.
As the community gathers to remember Felicity Hogan, they celebrate a life lived with authenticity and grace. Though 24 years is far too few, the depth of her character ensured that her legacy would be long-lasting. She will be missed in the quiet moments before a shift begins, in the echoes of laughter at the bar, and in the hearts of every person who was lucky enough to be touched by her light.
Felicity will never be forgotten. Her spirit remains woven into the fabric of the city she loved, serving as a reminder to lead with kindness, to laugh loudly, and to cherish every connection we make.
