Carmen Joyce Lenz Schaubhut

Carmen Joyce Lenz Schaubhut died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, May 28th, 2016, in New Orleans. She was 84 years old.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius John Lenz and Ethel Lilly Hauswirth Lenz, and by her beloved husband, Alton Joseph Schaubhut, Sr. She is survived by her children, Connie Schaubhut Orgeron (husband Philip Orgeron), Alton Schaubhut, Jr. (wife Gretchen Schaubhut), her grandchildren, Jessica Orgeron, SSgt. Marc Orgeron (wife Jennifer Orgeron), Sara Schaubhut, and Olivia Schaubhut, her step-grandchild Nicholas Mallett, her great-grandchild Emma Orgeron, and her step-great-grandchild Addison Mallett. Carmen is also survived by a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A graduate of Nicholls High School and a lifelong resident of the Greater New Orleans region, Carmen greatly enjoyed a long career as an accounting clerk for South Central Bell, and, later, Bellsouth. She instilled her sense of pride in her work in her children and grandchildren, assuring them often that they could achieve anything they put their minds to. A volunteer for the Red Cross during World War II, her service to others continued throughout her life, including assistance delivering food to those in need with Meals on Wheels and volunteering in the nursery at University Hospital. She also maintained a robust social life, which through the years included enjoying card games with friends at her home in Arabi, outings and travel with the AARP, visits to the Harahan Senior Center, and regular participation in church community events.

Vibrant, loving, and strong, Carmen bravely endured two hurricanes and many personal losses through her reliance on God's grace, first as a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in St. Bernard Parish and, after Hurricane Katrina forced her relocation to Jefferson Parish, as a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Her resilience and steadfast faith in times of trouble were an inspiration to all around her.

Although she knew full well her children and grandchildren had flaws like everyone else, Carmen always lovingly regarded them as her "angels." Those of us who love her know we are blessed to have her as our angel now.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Faith Lutheran Church, 316 Colonial Club Drive, Harahan, LA on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 5 PM to 9 PM, resuming on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 8 AM to 10:30 AM. Services will follow. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park. Donations in her memory may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 3300 Jupiter Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, Faith Lutheran Church, 316 Colonial Club Dr., Harahan, LA 70123, the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation ( www.umdf.org ) or the American Lung Association of Louisiana ( www.lung.org ).
For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .