Betty R. Cochran

As a mother, Betty imparted the importance of loving one another regardless of human imperfection and life’s setbacks. Through tragedies—four of her children preceding her in death, and eight feet of water in her home from Katrina’s levee failures—she persevered with dignity and resiliency.

Betty was a model of kindness, optimism, independence, and determination. To support her family during difficult times, at the age of 47, she acquired an entry level job as a Clerk Typist 1 with the city of New Orleans, eventually rising to Administrative Coordinator in the LSUHSC department of Biometry. After retirement she enjoyed many loving and fun-filled days with her children, grandchildren and friends. She also enjoyed bike riding, yoga, gardening, playing Bridge, pursuing creative outlets like rug-hooking, drawing and painting, and spoiling her beloved dog, Lulu.

Betty Cochran was an extraordinary human being whose unpretentious, warmhearted and generous spirit will endure. Her wonderful and entertaining sense of humor, ability to see the goodness in others, and love of life through good and hard times are gifts that will continue to guide and inspire all of us who knew and loved her.

Betty was predeceased by four children and one great grandchild: Rebecca Cochran Ducharme (Len), Kenneth E Cochran III, Jane Cochran Liljedahl (Gary), Ted D Cochran (Anne) and Cain E Cochran. She is survived by her daughter Peggy R Cochran (Nancy), her sister Peggy R Burt, her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Renee Ducharme, Aaron Ducharme, Justin Cochran, Leanne Cochran Weaver (Kris), Steven Cochran (Stephanie), Elise Warren, Paige Liljedahl Sylvestri, Leah Sanchez, Juliana McRevy, and Harper Majeka.

Her family is very grateful for the wonderful caregivers who made Betty’s life (and Peggy’s) more easeful during her later years with dementia: Penny Scott who was with her for thirteen mutually loving years, Thelma Everett, and Elaine Henderson.

Go freely, sweet Mama…to the calmness and freedom from hardship that you deserve.

A celebration in honor of her life is planned for early March. Please contact Peggy Cochran if you would like to attend.