Joel was born on February 5, 1929 to the late Mercedes Friedrichs Harris and Dr. William Herbert Harris in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is predeceased by her husband, Alfred G. Robichaux, Jr. and her 5 sisters and 4 brothers: Billy Harris, Jane Barker, Sister Betty Harris, Kitty Pearse, Cedes Burton, Marie Schell, Friedrichs Harris, Don Harris and Brother Del Harris. Joel graduated at the age of 16 as Valedictorian from Holy Name of Jesus High School, and she received a degree in Biology from Newcomb College. She worked in the medical office of her father and two older brothers as a Medical Technologist. She also worked a short time at St. Joseph Hospital in Thibodaux. Joel met Alfred on a cruise aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth as they were going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1950.
In her lifetime, Joel was a member of the Catholic Daughters and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her days were spent bringing communion to shut-ins and hospital patients, planning and leading Bible Studies and Cenacle Retreats, and attending daily mass. She received the Order of St. Louis Medal in 1977, which is awarded to laypersons who have devoted themselves to the work of the Catholic Church throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She was immensely proud of the Catholic education that she and her husband were able to provide for their 9 children. She often volunteered in the library at St. Joseph Elementary and was a founding member of the E D White Mothers’ Club, the Bird Feeders, and Gym Dandy. In 1989, she was honored by induction into the E D White Hall of Fame.
She is survived by her 9 blessed and grateful children, Alfred (Patti), Will (Chris), Raoul (Lynn), George (Ann), Eugene (Angela), Sara Day Foret (Bill), Beth Hodnett (Malcolm), Renee Melancon (Bill), and, Alma Jackson (Jack); 24 grandchildren: Jennifer (Rhett) Carter, Lauren Robichaux, & Katie (H.J.) Crosby, Marie Celeste, Susannah (Rustem) Bilyalov, & Josephine Robichaux, Stephen (Erin), Emily Robichaux, & Helen (Dom) Provenzano, Laura, Colleen, & Mary Robichaux, Caroline Robichaux, Billy & Adam (Lauren) Foret, Ben, Nic, Jon & Harrison Hodnett, Lindsay (David) Ogle & Ben (Lauren) Melancon, Taylor, Ross & Rachel Wagner and 11 great grandchildren.
Joel lived life with the joy of the Lord and a servant’s heart. Her children were her pride and joy. Her faith that God would always see her through was evident, and she never missed an opportunity to help others in need. We rejoice as she steps away from her earthly chains to begin her new life with Christ. Her reward is great! She was a good and faithful servant. We will miss you Mama!
The family would like to publicly express their love and gratitude to the wonderful, devoted caregivers who tenderly cared for Joel throughout her illness: Andrea Williams, Jackie Levy, Minda Duncan, Suzette Pickering, Angelle Price, Kandus Dufrene, Danielle Alvis, Lindy Raviotta, Jeanette Butler, and Ida Hunt.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to E.D.White Catholic High School, Joel Robichaux scholarship, 555 Cardinal Dr., Thibodaux, La 70301, Alzheimer’s Research or a Charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral from 8:00am-11:00am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00am. Interment will be at Metatirie Cemetery in New Orleans.
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