Helene Jeanne Schmatz, better known as “Frenchie”, passed away at age 75 on August 20, 2024. She was born on September 30th, 1948 in Brittany, France and was the oldest daughter of the late Jean and Marie Ledreau.
Helene immigrated from Brittany, France to the United States in her early twenties and soon found work as an Au Pair and French tutor in Greenwich, Connecticut before meeting the love of her life, Rudy, in 1976. They married and built a life together in Sandy Springs, GA, where over the years she could be found using her green thumb in the garden or whipping up a delicious feast in the kitchen. Helene’s greatest joy came from being a stay-at-home mom to her two children and a doting grandmother. Her dedication to her family was unparalleled and she treasured every moment with them. She will always be remembered for her feisty personality that never failed to bring laughter to those around her.
Helene was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Rudolph Schmatz, and survived by her son, Gary Schmatz; daughter and son-in-law, Lara and Bryce Crane; grandchildren, Brewer, Charlie and Davis Crane; sister, Denise Kerhoas; niece, Anne Marie Kerhoas; and nephew, Claude Kerhoas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
