One of the prominent families of old Esplanade Avenue has lost an irreplaceable daughter, a woman out of her time, the likes of which will likely never be seen again. Corinne Rita Farnet Villarrubia passed peacefully into her Heavenly Home on October 20, 2020, after living a rich and abundant life, to reunite in heaven with three of her children and her husband of 65 years, as well as many (Farnet and Stewart) ancestors.
Corinne attended St. Joseph Academy High School on Ursuline Avenue, and Dominican College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Corinne worked through her youth at NOPSI and Krause’s Department Store in the drapery department, along with her sister Yvette.
Following the end of WWII, Mom ran into a familiar Esplanade neighbor, James August Villarrubia, who had just returned from the war. This chance meeting at a bus stop led to a 65-year romance and marriage that produced 8 children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. It was a love she would carry throughout all of her days, through the very end, with deep commitment and utter loyalty.
She was an encouraging mother and fought for her children. She prayed passionately for their sakes and was always supportive and highly involved with their education, including volunteering at their schools, never missing a PTA meeting. To her children, she was their primary teacher, who taught them from birth about FAITH and her belief and trust in Christ. She and her husband lived devoutly in their faith and made great sacrifices in order provide each of their eight children with quality Catholic school educations from elementary to high school. She served as a Catechism teacher and also worked with the RCIA Program, educating and converting adults into the Catholic Faith. She and her husband were instrumental in establishing the Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Cabrini Church, and in manning the 24/7 schedule, even attending in the wee hours of the morning when necessary. They both served as Eucharistic Ministers and were awarded the Order of St. Louis Award from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, presented by Archbishop Phillip Hannon, for which they were humbled though extremely proud.
After the losses suffered from Hurricane Katrina at St. Frances Cabrini Church, St. Angela Merici became their new spiritual home.
Corrine believed in supporting generously the causes that were dear to her. Her beneficence went above and beyond as she gave generous monetary support to the Catholic Church, Brother Martin High School, The Benedictine Mission House, National Association of the Mentally Ill, Brain Tumor Research Foundation, St. Joseph Abbey, and St. Angela Merici.
She remained active in the People Program and the Marion Catholic Community Group even throughout the time of her passing.
Corinne was always a Mom first, however she had many talents and enjoyed sewing, ceramics, water aerobics, taking classes at the people program, and dancing. She also enjoyed watching Saints and LSU football as well as Shark Tank.
Corinne was a gentle lady, very elegant, warm and gracious. She was the sort of charming and dignified woman who seemed to be from a different time. Her smile lit up the room and affected people in a very personal way, with her extremely lovely and soft presence. Love radiated from her and she touched hearts of many, setting those around her at ease with her charismatic manner, and making everyone feel welcomed. She was a very sociable who loved people. She was always the last to leave every party, absorbing it all until the very end. Despite all her losses and challenges, she remained who she was all throughout, never losing her graciousness and warmth to everyone around her. She was always loyal and extremely confidant in her faith, even with the losses she endured during her lifetime. She never waivered in her faith and belief in Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother, nor in her beautiful love and devotion to her husband, which even in death could never fade. Corrine will be deeply missed by her children, her family and by all her knew her and are lucky enough to cherish her in their memories.
She was the beautiful daughter of the late Marcel J. Farnet and Dorothy L. Stewart, the loving wife of the late James (Jim) A. Villarrubia, and mother of surviving children, James (Jimmy) A. Villarrubia Jr, Robert (Bobby) J. Villarrubia, David E. Villarrubia, Mary (Meg) M. Villarrubia Armbruster (Buzz), and Corinne (Coco) M. Villarrubia. She was predeceased by her daughter, Geralyn M. Villarrubia Johns (Doug), and her sons, Daniel (Danny) J. Villarrubia and Thomas (Tommy) M. Villarrubia (Sandy).
She is predeceased by her older sister Dorothy Farnet Stakelum (Patrick) and her younger brother Stewart Farnet. She is survived by her sister, Yvette Farnet Gonzales (Henry) and her brother Marcel Farnet (Madeleine), as well as by seven grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews on both the Villarrubia and Farnet side of the family.
A visitation and mass will be held on Monday, October 26th, 2020 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church 901 Beverly Garden Dr. Metairie Louisiana, 70002. Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm, with the Mass of the Resurrection at 1pm. Internment will follow at the family tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, with a repass to follow at Degas House 2306 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA 70119 (Parking behind 2401 Esplanade corner Rocheblave.) All are invited, though asked to please remember to wear their masks.
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