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Carmen Callahan Schouest, a devoted and faithful Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully Thursday June 10, 2021 at the young age of 71. She has gained her promise of eternal peace and life and now sits in the presence of her Lord and savior.
Carmen was born November 12, 1949 in New Orleans to the late Joseph Clarence Callahan, Sr. and the late Francis Bernice Barnige Callahan and was one of four children born to that union. As a child she lived briefly in Bunkie, her parent’s birthplace, but would eventually come to the town of Delcambre, the place she called home.
She has always been a hard worker, dedicating her life to the wellbeing of her family. She began early on as a marine operator with the Delcambre Telephone Company, as a seamstress with Fruit of the Loom, and on the production line at Tabasco. Her dedication was second to none and she was loved by her coworkers.
Her children recall their mother’s deep, profound faith and strong will, determination and courage to face every day with her illness. She held Daily Bible studies with her sister on the phone, sometimes spending over an hour in their worship. And it was that faith that lifted her for the years that she was ill. Throughout her many health issues, she never let it bring her down, instead using that very faith and courage to carry her and to help others as well.
When asked about something that everyone would remember Carmen for, they all agreed with one thing….her laughter. She absolutely loved to laugh and have a great time, and could have an entire room giggling from just being around her. Never a dull moment, and living her life to the fullest is how they described her.
Above all, her greatest love was her family. She was not one that needed frivolous things or yearned to travel. Her life was best when home with her family. Whether it was watching her grandchildren play sports, or just sitting and sharing a meal (and of course a laugh) she was in her glory. She is now eternally in our hearts and our thoughts, where her legacy of faith and love will live on. Rest well dear Carmen for we will meet again.
Those left to cherish her memory is her husband of 25 years, Terry Schouest of Delcambre; her three children, Monica Delcambre (Kardell) of Delcambre, Howie Delcambre (Leigh) of Lafayette, and Mysti Thibodeaux (Toby) of Erath; her niece Cheyenne Nicole Dunn of Delcambre, whom she raised and looked upon as her own; her step-daughter, Christina Schouest of Mouton Cove; her five grandchildren whom she absolutely adored, Bailey Delcambre, Zack Delcambre, Jax Thibodeaux, Aiden Delcambre and Ani Delcambre; her only great grandson, Briggs Derise; her brothers and sisters, Joseph Clarence Callahan, Jr. (Cathy) of Grand Coteaux, John Clark Callahan (Amy) of Jay, FL, Letitia Marie Callahan of Ball, Margaret Irene Windham of Pineville and Holly Carol DuBroc (Harvey) of Dry Prong; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters Elsie Kaye Smith and Amber Lisanne Dunn; and her half-sister, Angela Marie Hargons.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Carmen’s life will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre. Fr. Buddy Breaux, Pastor and a dear friend of the family, will be the celebrant. She will be laid to rest privately at a later date.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Wednesday from 2:00 pm until time of the mass.
Carmen was passionate about cancer research and truly believed in her heart that a cure would one day be found. In honor of Carmen, please consider making a contribution to the American Cancer Society of Louisiana, 2605 River Rd, New Orleans, LA 70121.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, memories and support with the family by visiting Carmen’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre has been entrusted all arrangements.
