Cover photo for Virginia Phillips Gaudet's Obituary
Virginia Phillips Gaudet Profile Photo
1941 Virginia 2022

Virginia Phillips Gaudet

January 19, 1941 — April 5, 2022

Virginia Phillips Gaudet, former 78-year resident of Gretna, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on April 5, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney & Leta Cambre Phillips, and her former husband James Klebar Gaudet. She is survived by her cousins Debra Cambre LeBlanc (Carroll), Sommer LeBlanc Rodrigue (Jason), Madelyn Caroline Rodrigue, and Blaise Allen Rodrigue.
Virginia attended St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Mary’s Dominican High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, and a Master of Science in Teaching degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Virginia was a firm believer in education. She began her educational career as a teacher at Vic Pitre Elementary School. She became an assistant principal at both Estelle Elementary & Miller Wall Elementary. She was the principal at Paul J. Solis Elementary School. Under the leadership of Virginia, Paul J. Solis Elementary was recognized twice by the Louisiana State Board of Education as being the “Top Ten Schools in Louisiana” and received a national award as a “SPUR Model School.” Virginia was also honored by the Chamber of Commerce for six consecutive years of Paul J. Solis Elementary achieving “Tops in Test Scores” and “Excellence in Drug Prevention”.
After her retirement, Paul Solis Elementary School dedicated a pavilion named the “Virginia Gaudet Multipurpose Pavilion” honoring her service and dedication to Paul J. Solis Elementary and the field of education. At the dedication ceremony, Virginia referred to author Oscar Wilde for her favorite quote, “I have the simplest tastes. I am satisfied with the best.” This is such an appropriate description of the Virginia we loved, along with her belief in strong academia.
Virginia received many personal accolades. She was selected as “Woman of the Year” by the Westside Business and Professional Woman’s Club and as “Educator of the Year” by the State Federation of Garden Clubs. She was a recipient of the “Golden Shoe Award” by the Friends of the Cabildo and was recognized as “Outstanding Tour Guide” by the Friends of the Cabildo Walking Tour Committee.
She was a member of multiple organizations in Gretna, Louisiana, such as a chartered member of the Gretna Historical Advisory Committee, Gretna Historical Society, Twilight Garden Club of Louisiana, and the Golden Opportunity Club.
During the last three years of her life, Virginia relocated to St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, Mississippi, to be closer to family. There, she served on the Residents Council and Food and Activities Committee.
Virginia will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Her memory will always be carried in our hearts. Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 1 PM. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until mass time. In lieu of flowers, masses are preferred in honor of Virginia at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gretna, Louisiana. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.mothefunerals.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia Phillips Gaudet, please visit our flower store.

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Monday, April 11, 2022

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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