Anne Marie Stephens Landreaux

Anne Marie died peacefully on November 17, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Orleans, France, Anne Marie was raised in Metairie, Louisiana where she attended St. Martin's Episcopal School. She later attended both SMU and LSU before beginning a long career as Operations Manager for Rike Service in New Orleans and later in Austin, TX. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Anne Marie and Francis Landreaux were married on November 12, 2005 and relocated to Austin, Texas. She and Francis were happily married and living in Bee Cave just west of Austin at the time of her death. Anne Marie treasured her years at St. Martin's. During her 1977 senior year, she was elected "Miss St. Martin's," class vice president and member of the homecoming court. Later, she was elected and served as president of the St. Martin's Alumni Association. Her overall love for New Orleans was equally deep-seated. She lived there for 40 years and was always discovering new opportunities to pursue. Some included volunteer work, others civic and charitable contributions, still others pure fun and games. She possessed an enthusiasm, perhaps better described as passion for Mardi Gras parades, Saint's football, and Galatoire's at noon on Friday, to name a few of her lighter side endeavors. During her school years in the New Orleans area, she spent many summers at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, TX as a camper and later camp counselor. That experience began her longstanding attachment for the Texas Hill Country which culminated in moving to that area in 2006. Her qualities were numerous. She was a wonderfully thoughtful and giving person. She gave totally of herself to others, family and friends, alike. She always provided a loving touch and just the right deeds and words for those in need. Anne Marie possessed a deep-seated faith in God and her fellowman. One of her greatest sources of joy was her nephews, Hillis and James. She had a glowing smile for all, always caring for others first and foremost. She had a unique warmness in her character that made her such a devoted and special friend. Among her many charitable activities were her dedication to the less fortunate, especially with her years of involvement with the "Make a Wish Foundation." Anne Marie will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends, but she would want us all to move ahead with our lives, comforted by the time we all had together during her wonderful and giving life. However, we will always miss but never forget her magnetic personality which will be such a lasting gift to all her family and friends. Anne Marie is survived by her husband, Francis, her mom and dad, Annie and Dick Stephens; her sister and brother-in-law, Claire and Dwight Emanuelson; nephews Hillis and James Emanuelson and step children, Robert and Elise Landreaux. She was preceded in death by her loving younger sister, Jennifer Stephens. She is survived by many other cherished relatives and a host of friends with whom she shared a lifetime of joy, laughter and pranks. She and her family are most grateful for the prayers, flowers, cards, masses and thoughtful gestures that helped Anne Marie and her family through her ordeal. They also deeply appreciate the very professional and loving care provided by the doctors, nurses, chaplains and staff of Seton Main Hospital, as well as, those of Texas Oncology in Austin and M. D. Anderson in Houston. A mass of celebrating the life and joy therein of Anne Marie will be held at her parish Catholic Church, Queen of Angels Chapel, 20600 Siesta Shores Drive, Spicewood, TX 78669 – just west of Austin -- on Saturday November 22 at 4 PM with Fr. Jim McDonough presiding. A reception will follow in the Chapel vestibule. If desired, donations can be made in Anne Marie's honor to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Queen of Angels Chapel at the above address or to a charity of one's choice.