Nanette Stephens Carpenter

Nanette Stephens Carpenter peacefully entered into eternal rest at her home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. She was 75. Beloved wife of 55 years of Asward “Zu” Carpenter. Loving mother of Stephanie Lott (Cory), the late Christine Carpenter, Jenni Guidry (Ched), Kevin Carpenter (Jenny) and Rachel Kramer (the late Michael Kramer, Jr.) Nana to Shelby Swear (Daniel), Mason Lott, CiCi, Jacob, Daniel and Georgia Guidry, Austin, Grayson and Isabel Carpenter, and Kale Kramer. Great-grandma of Archer and Graham Swear.

She was predeceased in death by her daughter Christine Carpenter, her father, Earl (Steve) Stephens, her mother, Cora Stephens Sicard, her stepfather, Jerry Sicard, her in-laws Doris and Clarence Carpenter and her beloved Jacqueline Costanza Stephens who she considered a sister.

She was the oldest of 7 and is survived by her siblings Melanie Turner (the late Doug Turner), Susu Castillon (Al), Richelle Lewis, Earl (“Dickie”) Stephens (“Sherie”) Robert “Bobby” Stephens (“Tangie”) and Anna Pfeil (“Peter”) and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved immensely.

She was devoted to her family and the perfect example of a wife, mother, nana, sister and friend. She was selfless and giving and a caregiver for many. She lived her entire life with God by her side.

She started volunteering at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse in 1972 and served the school and church parish for almost 50 years in some capacity. From room-mom, school board member, co-op president, fair-chairperson, cafeteria volunteer, to head of the CYO for 5 years, the Director of Religious Education for 9 years and so much more than can be written here. In her own words, “Being the Parish School of Religion Director was one of the most incredibly wonderful things I ever did.” “The CYO was also close to my heart.” She cherished and loved her many friends that she embraced during her years of service in Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish.

In addition, she was recognized with the St. Louis Medallion in 1992 and was the 75th recipient of the Regina Matrim Award in 2021 which is a huge honor in her Catholic faith.

She dearly loved her “Crowns” group and cherished the many years of activities and weekend trips with friends that became and are still family. In recent years she also reunited with her dear group of friends from high school and have enjoyed many events and trips together.

She was a very active member of the Terrytown Fire Department Lady’s Auxillary for many years as well.

She embodied everything we should all aspire to be. She only saw good in everyone. Her journey has not always been easy but has been a fulfilling one. God called her to be a caregiver at an early age and through her faith she embraced that role and did everything with a smile and grace.

A special thank you to Dr. Zoe Larned, Peggy Joe Alker, Dr. Clayton Smith, Becky Goldman, Kaylee Conaway, Shannon Sylve and all of the Ochsner team of doctors, nurses and aids and the wonderful team at Ochsner Westbank Infusion Center, as well as the M.D. Anderson team of doctors who provided her with amazing care and compassion and gave us 12 years longer than predicted 14 years ago.

Also, thank you to Sister Dulce Maria, who prayed with her and over her for the last several years and gave her peace and comfort during her illness.

She was a native of Chalmette and resident of Gretna, Louisiana for the past 55 years.

She will be loved and remembered by all whom she left behind.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Belle Chasse, LA on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. Visitation at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Belle Chasse, LA. Arrangements by Mothe Funeral Home.