Renée Noel Wenzel

Renée N. Wenzel passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born on August 9, 1931 in New Orleans – the firstborn of twelve children of Roy R. and Claire Duhe Noel. Her and her siblings grew up in a very busy and lively Gentilly household. She went on to earn her high school diploma from St. Stephen’s High School in 1949. She married Jerome F. Wenzel Sr. and moved to River Ridge where they made their home. She became a proud and wonderful mother taking great pride in raising her family. In her early years, she and her husband were very active in the Cub and Boy Scouts for over nine years. For over 15 years, they loved and enjoyed their summer home in Clermont Harbor, Mississippi, where they would crab, fish, play games, barbeque and always have guests over. She loved cooking (best bread pudding in the south), camping, sewing, entertaining for family and friends and loved her old movies- her favorite being “Gone with the Wind” along with a collection of its memorabilia displayed fondly at home. She especially loved all animals, including the birds and squirrels she fed daily along with her one remaining cat, Sandy. She was a devoted Catholic who always trusted in the Lord and his serving Saints in daily prayers. She was always concerned about others more than herself and would keep them in her daily thoughts and prayers. She had a big heart in making sure she always called or sent heartfelt cards. She will be truly missed more than words can ever express by her entire family who has been by her side since the passing of her husband in 2010.

She is survived by children, Jerome Wenzel, Jr. (Marlene), Craig Wenzel, Darryl Wenzel, Chris Wenzel (Sonia) and Mary Claire Wenzel; four granddaughters, Shawn Wenzel, Christy Wenzel, Amber Hutchinson and Bridget Tracey; step-granddaughter, Gabriela Rodriguez; four great granddaughters, Taylor Wenzel, Sage Brown, Allison Hutchinson and Aubrey Hutchinson; sister, Maris N. Dean; brother, Elroy Noel; and many nieces and nephews.

Renée was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jerome Francis Wenzel Sr.; her parents, Roy and Claire Noel; and daughter, Noel Claire Wenzel.

The family would also like to personally thank the personal caregivers for the devoted care she received by them over the years and up to her final days. They would also like to thank The Peristyle Residences in Jefferson, LA for all their wonderful caring staff, where she spent the last 4 months of her life. They took great care of her and treated her like family. Her family will be forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 12 PM. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. After the chapel service, Renée will be laid to rest in St. Patrick Cemetery #3. A reception will be held form 2 – 4 PM- details will be announced in the chapel.