Claudia Backhus-Suazo Gaudet

Claudia is survived by her husband, David Gaudet; her mother, Graciela Lleonart Backhus; her brother, Stefan Backhus; her children, Stefan and Veronica Suazo; her stepson, Gerardo Suazo-Turnage; her nieces, Jessica Dominguez Carmean and Kimberly Dominguez Carballo; her grandchildren, Lorena, Alejandro, Julian, and Samuel Suazo; her dog, Buttercup; and countless others who were blessed to have her in their lives. Claudia is preceded in death by her father, Walter Backhus; her grandparents, Jose Luis Lleonart, Zaira Lleonart, Walther Backhus, and Martha Backhus; her aunt, Helga Backhus Scimone; and her uncle, Vincent Scimone.

Claudia was born on February 28, 1973 to Walter Backhus and Graciela Lleonart Backhus in Hamburg, Germany. She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1991 and achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Mathematics at the University of New Orleans in 1996. She went back to school and achieved a Masters of Education at LSU Shreveport in 2022. Claudia married Gerardo Suazo on March 17, 1997, and welcomed her son, Stefan, and her daughter, Veronica, on October 21, 1998 and November 12, 2002, respectively. She married David Gaudet on November 21, 2023. Claudia considered her union to David a miracle - the gift of true love.

Claudia was a devoted mother and caring wife. She loved spending time with her children, and enjoyed traveling, watching movies, playing cards, and just passing time with her beloved husband, David. Claudia’s educational career is defined by going above and beyond for the children of Jefferson Parish, and she was recognized for her efforts with accolades including the Presidential Award for Math and Science Teaching, the highest honor the U.S. government bestows for STEM teachers. Among so many other things, Claudia will always be remembered for her ability to make anyone believe in the miracles of Christmastime. Claudia’s capacity for generosity was incomprehensible, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the memorial service at 1:00 pm. A private interment will take place at a later date.