Elizabeth Rau Schwarz

Elizabeth Rau Schwarz left us to meet Jesus on August 9, 2017 at 6 PM. Beloved wife of 63 years to the late Irvin E. Schwarz. Loving mother of Rosalyn Schwarz Herring (Bob), Irvin E. Schwarz Jr. (Sylvia), Saundra Schwarz Newton (Warren) and the late Suzanne Schwarz Hudson (the late William). Grandmother of Raymond, Lenessa, Rachel, Ramona, Kendra, Warren Sanford III, Talia and the late William. Great-grandmother of Aidan, Chase, Avery, Sharon, Cayman, Donnie Joe, Trevor, Decklan, Abigail, Allison, Wyatt, Loralai, Warren IV, Michael, Winston, Charles and Kira. Daughter of the late Henrietta Keller Rau and the late Joseph Harry Rau. Also survived by other loving relatives and friends.
Elizabeth was a lifelong resident of Gretna, LA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Newcomb College in New Orleans, LA and later retired as a high school teacher in the Jefferson Parish School System.
As a woman of immense faith, she was an active parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church & Shrine in Gretna, was a lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and could often be found working the gift shop inside the Church. She also belonged to the St. Joseph’s Woman’s Club, helped making Italian cookies and working the St. Joseph’s Altar in St. Joseph’s Day.
She was a licensed tour guide and served her community as a founding member and past president of the German Heritage Cultural and Genealogical of Louisiana where she held every office, founding member and current board member of the Gretna Historical Society where she served 3 terms as president, held the most offices and was a licensed tour guide, member of the Friends of the German American Cultural Center, Louisiana Federation of Business and Professional Woman’s Club where she held every office including president for 6 years, member of Audubon Chapter, National Federation of Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Board member of Jefferson Historical Society, member of Kappa Kappa Iota (a teacher’s organization) where she held every office, member Jefferson Council on Aging for 15 years, Krewe of Cleopatra serving as float lieutenant for 5 years and reigned as the 3rd Queen and christened The Royal Barge, participated in the annual Chris Owens Easter Parade until her death, dressed in her German dirndl (German dress) and could be found working at the German Beer Garden at Gretna Fest and Oktoberfest in Gretna and served as tour guide for the Gretna Historic Society’s annual Hook and Ladder Cemetery tour since its’ inception.
For her dedication and hard work, Elizabeth was awarded the C.W. Cox Award presented by the Gretna Community Association for her leadership, faithful community service and loyal family member that inspired and enriched the lives of others, the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion, the highest award presented to a layperson by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, voted Woman of the Year by the National Federation of Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Louisiana Federation of Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Audubon Chapter of the American Business Woman’s Association and twice voted Woman of the Year by the Westside Business and Professional Woman’s Club.
Her hobbies included Community advocacy, avid Bridge player, Sudoku, crossword and word puzzles all done in ink, excellent seamstress, enjoyed knitting, crocheting, shopping and traveled extensively both domestically and internationally.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the St. Joseph Church and Shrine or to your charity of choice.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 6th Street in Gretna on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 8 AM to 10 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park.
MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES is assisting the family during this time. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .