Brenda Gautreaux Gaudin

Brenda Gautreaux Gaudin, passed away peacefully and finally free from pain, at the age of 69, leaving behind a vibrant legacy filled with love, music, and joy. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt, who spent countless hours enjoying the live local music scene.

Brenda retired from Shell Oil Company after 35 years and spent her remaining years in pursuit of all things New Orleans. She loved Mardi Gras, the Saints (season ticket holder for over 30 years), all festivals, but especially the JazzFest having gone to every day of every year for the past 40 years. She had her seat in the Blues Tent and everyone would trickle in during the day to spend time with her. She had season tickets to the Symphony and Broadway New Orleans and cherished her time there. Her favorite place to soak in the sounds of her favorite local musicians include Chickie Wah Wah, Buffa’s and Maple Leaf Bar.

Brenda lost everything in Hurricane Katrina as 14 feet of flood water inundated her home and she chose to live with her parents after that, at first a symbiotic relationship, but later she sacrificed many years in the care of our mother and later our father. She often mentioned that she never wanted to live alone again and died 30 days after her father. She prided herself as a gift giver and on birthdays and Christmas you could expect a large giftbag filled with trinkets she had acquired during the year that reminder her of you. She loved her friends and had many life-long relationships that she would meet as often as she could.

Brenda was the oldest of five siblings and took her role as the family matriarch to heart. She was a fierce protector of her loved ones, especially her brother Brian, for whom she fought tirelessly to ensure the best care during his hospital stays. She was also deeply committed to the two young great-nephews who brought her so much joy in her final years, sharing with them the timeless stories of Captain Kangaroo, Dr. Seuss, and Curious George, passing down the lessons of kindness and curiosity she herself had embodied.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Joyce and Leroy Gautreaux, and her brother, Brian Gautreaux (Lori). She is survived by her siblings, Sandra Corrigan (Kevin), Greg Gautreaux (Patricia), and Christina Vetra (Chris); her nieces and nephews, Shanna Kenney, Nicholas Poole (Jessica), Alexandra Battalora (Eric), Shannon Corrigan Wilson (Matthew), Michael Corrigan (Genevieve), and Jordan Vetra (Brendon); several great-nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, on March 25, 2025, at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 followed by a Catholic Mass, concluded by a private interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Threahead Cultural Foundation or Pass It On NOLA in Brenda's memory (please note Brenda's name in the comments of your donation), so her spirit of giving continues to support the artists she loved.