Mrs. Dorothy "Butsie" Elizabeth Schutten Guste

Dorothy Schutten Guste, affectionately known as “Butsie”, was born in New Orleans on March 22, 1924 to Elizabeth Leidenheimer and Bernard Schutten. She entered into her eternal reward on January 11, 2023, just two months shy of her 99th birthday.

After her graduation from Ursuline Academy, Mrs. Guste studied music at Loyola University School of Music, becoming an accomplished concert pianist. While at Loyola, she met William J. Guste, Jr., and they married in 1947 upon his return from military service in France. Together they had 10 children, eventually becoming loving grandparents to 28 and great grandparents to 37, at last count. Known as “Nanie” by her grandchildren, she takes delight in each of them. Her prayer for them is that they love God, serve others and give joyful thanks to God through a life well-lived.

Mrs. Guste’s daily life was lived with steadfast devotion to God, her husband, her children and her community.

Her service to community was ongoing throughout life. During WWII Mrs. Guste served in the American Women’s Volunteer Service. Over the years she quietly served her community in many areas. In the early 80’s she was contacted by one of the brothers at Ozanam Inn for Homeless Men. He asked that she gather necessary supplies for the homeless guests of the shelter. Butsie dutifully rounded up numerous donations of needed items, clothing and groceries, making regular deliveries to the shelter. At one point she was asked to bring in 90 new mattresses and prevailed upon local businesses who responded generously to her special charm. Not long after that, Butsie and Billy hosted the first fundraising gala for Ozanam Inn.

So successful were their efforts that they were recruited by Archbishop Philip Hannan to assist with the formation of UNITY for the Homeless, an umbrella non-profit for agencies serving the marginalized and the homeless of New Orleans. Mrs. Guste served on the Boards of Ozanam Inn, St. Michael’s School for Special Children and Spring Hill College. She also served on the Boards of the Sophie Gumbel Guild and Miller Manor, agencies serving special needs adults. In 2018, Mrs. Guste was named Honorary Chairman of the “Give Your Heart to Harry” Fundraiser for the Harry Tompson Center for the Homeless. Mrs. Guste was the first lady ever to be admitted to the Catholic Society of the Knights of Malta.

In the late 1960’s, Mr. Guste emerged as a political leader, first serving in the State Senate. Butsie cheerfully adapted to every dimension of her position as his most loyal supporter. With her tireless enthusiasm and energy behind him, Mr. Guste moved on to become the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for 5 consecutive terms. Butsie worked in the campaigns, walking the neighborhoods and making friends everywhere she went. She often hosted and attended the Meet the Candidate Coffee Parties, sometimes graciously speaking on behalf of her husband. Her charm, poise and tremendous wit complimented Mr. Guste’s zeal for serious improvement in the quality of life for the citizens of our State.

With all that Dorothy accomplished in the community, quietly helping with numerous efforts for the needy, and in the political arena as the partner of William J. Guste, Jr., her children remember her as an ever-present Mom, providing laughter, guidance, and maintaining an orderly, well-run family home with never ending grace. Daily prayers to the Blessed Mother, love for God and His Church and a great sense of humor were strong links in her eternal legacy. She will be missed tremendously by an adoring troop of her sons and daughters, their children and grandchildren: William J. Guste, III (Maureen), Bernard Randolph Guste (Henrietta), Marie Louise Guste Nix, Sister Melanie Anne Guste, R.S.C.J., Valerie Guste Johnson (Robert), Althea Guste Wise (Jon), Elizabeth Therese Guste, James Patrick Guste (Carolyn), Anne Duchesne Guste and John Jude Guste*.

Mrs. Guste’s triumphal entry into eternal life was honored privately by her numerous descendants in a joyful Eucharistic Celebration this week.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to either the Harry Tompson Center for the Homeless or to Holy Name of Jesus Church.