The Woman with an Eye for Celebration
Mary James Behlar

When our beloved mother Mary Behlar founded The Mask Store, she discovered she had a gift for helping people express themselves. She delighted in helping customers prepare for Mardi Gras, masquerade balls and celebrations of every kind. With an eye for exceptional craftsmanship and a passion for New Orleans tradition, she built Maskarade in the French Quarter from the ground up into one of the most recognized destinations for unique masks online.

She prided herself on finding the best mask-making artists in the area.

Mary’s love of beauty and personal expression also led her to Bourbon French Parfums (www.neworleansperfume.com), one of America’s oldest perfume shops, where she enjoyed helping customers discover scents as unique as they were.

Mary passed away on July 2, 2025, but her legacy lingers in the French Quarter like a favorite fragrance—leaving behind memories that endure.

She embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm, traveling the world, cooking for those she loved and, in her younger years, earning a Music Arts Scholarship for her singing. Yet of all her accomplishments, nothing meant more to her than her people. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, employer and friend whose love continues to guide and inspire us every day.

Thank you for being part of Mom’s story. Please continue to visit this website for future updates about The Mask Store and the legacy she worked so hard to create.

The Behlars