Unconditional love is desired more than riches by the wise. Its fortunate recipients find a wellspring of inspiration, nurturing and well being. It is the piece de resistance for any life, and it is the heartfelt gift Joan Breaux gave to family and friends.
An independent woman known for her generosity, love of family, eternal optimism, and as the ultimate Saints fan, Joan passed away in her home Monday, August 5, 2019 with her family by her side. She was 83.
Joan saw beauty and goodness in all people and had the gift of finding common ground with everyone she met. She was an artist, bibliophile, political junkie, lover of history, and to many people known as the number one New Orleans Saints fan. To her family she was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She leaves to cherish her memory Charles Whaley Breaux, Jr., husband of 66 years, children Robert Breaux (Kim), Deborah Hollingsworth (Sam), Susan Campbell (Frank), JoAnn Loupe (Scott), Kenneth Breaux (Audrey), as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and multitudes of friends whose lives she indelibly touched. She is predeceased by son, Charles Breaux, and grandson, John Loupe.
Joan loved her family, her hometown, and the Saints passionately. Daughter of the late Walter and Stella Guedry Sicard of New Orleans, she was born with a joie de vivre that skipped through her veins and reached for the sky. She fell in love with the city’s charms and culture at an early age, went to mass and ate beignets in the French Quarter, attended Holy Cross football games with her cousin Charlotte and political rallies with her activist mother, and studied at the McCrady School of Art on Bourbon Street. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy in 1952 and received a scholarship to Newcomb. Joan found the perfect partner for her life’s passions when she married Charlie in 1953. She was a long time parishioner of the St. Louis Cathedral, the Touchdown Club of New Orleans, and the Saints Booster Club.
Joan doted on her children and never tired of carting them to parades, parties, sleep overs, and of course, football games. She zealously hand made and sewed all her children’s costumes, cheerleading & dance team attire, making sure all outfits were perfect. As one by one left home, her energy and attentions transferred to her beloved NFL Franchise, the New Orleans Saints. No separation anxiety for her!
There was no more a passionate Saints fan, as she never missed a home game in 50 years, from 1967-2017. She would arrive at the stadium 2 hours before kickoff and stay until the NOPD was ready for lights out. The Dome was much more than a second home for Joan; it was holy ground. She was chosen the #1 Saints fan on the team’s 50th Anniversary by the Times Picayune, which was an honor well deserved. Her devotion to the Saints was legendary, and she lovingly became known as the Mother of All Saints fans.
The Breaux family will receive guests on Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home parlor, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. A private burial will follow in All Saints Mausoleum, St. Joan of Arc Corridor.
The family wishes to thank Notre Dame Hospice, and particularly Deborah Smith, Joan’s angel, for the genuine bond forged, love and devoted care given.
In lieu of flowers, the Breaux family wishes that family and friends would consider making a monetary donation to the The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
