Catherine Tarbett Mendez

Catherine Tarbett Mendez, 73, died at Canon Hospice on Saturday, November 22nd, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, James K. Tarbett and Dorothy Lais. Born September 26th, 1941, she filled her life with joy and shared that joy with others. Her career was but an extension of that joy: travel. As a travel agent she worked at AAA, Navigant and Pontchartrain Travel of which she was a part owner. Cathy was a member and former president of Travel Agents of Greater New Orleans. She was a pioneer member and also former president of Mid-South Women in Tourism. She loved life and relished every opportunity to see the world. Her clients were many and relied on her vast travel experience. Cathy at one time was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, which recently merged into the Congregation of St. Joseph. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband of thirty seven years, Servando Mendez, and both together enjoyed entertaining friends and relatives on many occasions. Her good taste and skills in decorating were inspired by Martha Stewart, evident at the many parties celebrated over the years. She is survived by her cousins, Johnny Lais (Lucia) and Patrick Lais (Renee). Visitation and Memorial Mass will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA on Monday, December 1st, visitation beginning at 11:00 am, followed by the memorial Mass at 1:00pm. Interment will be private. Contributions are welcome at the Congregation of St. Joseph: 3134 Hundred Oaks Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Condolences may be offered at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.