Janice H. Schexnayder

Through her life, Janice was always giving and always selfless. She will be remembered most for her strength, kind heart, and willingness to put others before herself. With one last act of selflessness, she willingly donated herself to Tulane University for further advancement of education and research into COPD, which she fought courageously.

Janice was deeply devoted to her family and extremely fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the days prior to her diagnosis, she loved wearing her high heels and dancing. She also loved spontaneous days spent with her children and grandchildren, which she called her “holidays.” She was always looking forward to the next.

Janice is survived by her two daughters, Rhonda Fernandez (Dale), and Darla Cavalier; step daughters, Cathy Martinez (Wayne), Barbara Martin, Melissa Shaw (David), and Lizabeth Simoneaux; step son, C. Michael Schexnayder; 13 grandchildren, Brent Cavalier (Shelby), Courtney Fernandez (Mitchel), Laura Martinez (Amanda), Alison Sullivan (Michael), James Martin, Meghan Buckley (David), Beth Ramos (Christian), Erin Chustz (Tyler), Robert Simoneaux, Madeline Simoneaux, Lillian Simoneaux, Susan Glueck (Ben), and Michael Schexnayder; 14 great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Landon, Parker, Reese, Elise, Lucas, Liam, Avery, Levi, Owen, Patrick, William, Stella, and Lee.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dale Hernandez; second husband, Irving “Mike” Schexnayder; parents, Hubert and Maude Cedotal; brothers, Alvin Cedotal and Hubert Cedotal Jr.; sister, Betty Cedotal.

A memorial mass for Janice will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend immense gratitude to Linda Rodriguez, her sitter, and to the staff at Clarity Hospice who provided excellent care in her final days.