Claire Armbruster Wetta

Claire Rose Armbruster Wetta, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, passed away on March 12, 2020 at the age of 91. Mrs. Wetta was the daughter of the late Otto Henry Armbruster and Emily Buhler Armbruster and was married to the late Walter Blaise Wetta for 45 years. The last survivor of seven siblings, Claire was the sister of Otto, Jr., George, Bernard, William and Robert Armbruster, and her only sister Anna Louise LaRocca. She is survived by her three daughters Margaret Claire Salisbury (Charles), Kim Elizabeth Jarigese (Kevin) and Elizabeth Anne Brantley (Chris). She was “Nana” to her nine grandchildren Stephen Kreller (Stephanie), Jill Osmerg (Lars), David Kreller (Anne), Drew Salisbury (Danielle), Daniel Salisbury (Samantha), Taylor Brantley (Laura), Zachary Brantley, Dana Jarigese and Shelley Jarigese. She was “Nana the Great” to her nine great-grandchildren. Missing her are nieces and nephews too numerous to list. She is survived by her dear sister-in-law Ruby Armbruster Legner.

Claire grew up in a faith-filled Catholic family, married into another one, and by example Claire and Walter passed on their deep love for the church to their children. Claire graduated from Mercy Academy (Redemptorist Girls High School).

Claire learned to sew from her mother and she made her own wedding gown. This talent came in handy as a newlywed. She sewed often for her girls, making communion dresses, coats, prom dresses, her own suits, and hats.

Her love of all things beautiful led her to study interior design, and she launched a career as an interior designer, managing her own solo business for over 30 years, until she retired at age 80.

Balancing her love for her church with her love of design Claire served for seven years on the New Orleans Archdiocesan Liturgy Committee as a design artist and consultant. Claire would travel to churches in South Louisiana and Alabama sharing her knowledge of liturgical design. She was instrumental in the creative process and inspiring design ideas executed at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and then at St. Pius X Church. In addition, she executed the green-scaling and floral arrangements for the St. Louis Cathedral during the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1987.

For five consecutive years in the late 1970s-early 1980s, Claire worked with the Archdiocesan Office of Worship converting the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel into a church-like setting for the annual Hofinger Conference. In 1993, she decorated the UNO Arena for the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Claire enjoyed singing with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church choir for many years and was a member of the select choir during the papal visit for the mass at the University of New Orleans Arena. Because of her contribution of time and talent to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, she was awarded the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion from Archbishop Philip M. Hannon at the St. Louis Cathedral in 1988.

Claire was an active member of St. Pius X Thursday prayer group, the Metairie Marians. She was a member of NAIM St. Philip Neri and an active member of NAIM St. Pius X, where she served a term as president and coordinated social activities.

In 1955, Claire founded the Greater Pines Village Garden Club and was an active member for 50 years, winning many awards for her arrangements and garden at home on Dorian Street. She was also an active member of Lakeview Botany Guild & Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Club until August 2005.

In addition, she was a member and past president of Executive Women International, New Orleans Chapter and was a charter member and past president of Les Nouvelles Orleans Social Group.

Claire took special joy in traveling for many years with her dear friends, the “Go Go Girls.” This name was given to them by a group of much younger girls traveling together, who delighted in how much fun these “young at hearts” were having, thus giving them their nickname.

Services will be private.

Masses preferred in lieu of flowers.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com