Myra Altman Gaudin

Myra Altman Gaudin died peacefully on March 27, 2021. She lived a full 86 years as a singularly curious, forthright, elegant woman. She was the wife of Judge H. Charles Gaudin who preceded her in death on June 29, 2019. They were married 63 years. Her parents, Hollis Samuel Altman and Mayo Tidwell Altman, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Melanee Gaudin Usdin (Steve), Monique Gaudin Gardner (Warren) and Charles Altman Gaudin (Kathleen) and four grandchildren, Matthew Charles Usdin, William Gaudin Usdin, Eleanor Tidwell Gardner and Samuel Freret Gardner. She also is survived by brother-in-law Pierre “Pete” F. Gaudin and sister-in-law Elizabeth “Beth” Tetlow Gaudin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Myra loved to debate politics and finance, and discuss good books. She was as comfortable behind a podium in a tailored suit as she was on her tractor in Mississippi in a straw hat. She enjoyed gardening, interior design and travel. She loved dancing the jitterbug with Charley. Most of all, “Mymy” enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Myra was born in Georgia, and moved as a young child with her parents to Lafayette, LA where her father, a civil engineer, planned the construction of roads and bridges throughout South Louisiana. Myra entered LSU at age 16 and graduated with honors at 18. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and honor societies. After graduation, she taught English and Debate to high school students, some older than she. She then moved to Manhattan with her lifelong friend, Dr. Patricia O’Brien, and worked for a buying office until she joined her mother’s highly regarded fashion business, Altmans’ in the Oil Center of Lafayette. Even after marrying and moving to New Orleans, Myra regularly accompanied her mother on buying trips to New York, California and Europe, meeting leading designers and honing her lifelong interest in design and fashion. You could count on Myra to be turned out in couture, but always with her own personal stylistic touches.

Myra was committed to the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony for nine years, including on its Executive Committee, and also on the board of Friends of Longue Vue. She was President of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and on “Kappa House Board” at Newcomb. She also served on the boards of the Parents’ League at Metairie Park Country Day, the WYES Auction where she chaired the first “Dream House,” and on the Advisory Board of Directors of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She was a member of the Orleans Club, The Daughters of the American Revolution and Munholland Methodist Church.

Myra was an accomplished artist whose still-life paintings can be found in many New Orleans homes. She showed with the Whimsie Artist group for 15 years. She served as President of the Metairie Literary Guild, the Audubon Garden Club, the Avenue Investment Club, and the Louisiana State Bar Association Auxiliary. She and Judge Gaudin were on the Gala Committee and the Advisory Board of Tulane Summer Lyric Theater. Myra was honored by the Men of Fashion as one of the “Ten Best Dressed,” and also by the Cancer Crusaders.

A private graveside service will be held on April 7, 2021 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, 104 Dixon Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, Attn: Charlie Hayes, or to the charity of your choice.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.