Brenda Joyce Chauvin passed away peacefully on August 13, 2021 at the age of 73. She preceded in death by her parents, Harry Joseph Chauvin Sr. and Joyce Andre Chauvin and sister, Tammie Ann Chauvin. She is survived by her siblings, Jerry C. Lentjes, Harry Joseph Chauvin, Jr., and Jill C. Morales.
Brenda was the oldest among her siblings and even though she was born mentally challenged, she kept us all in line. She lived a full, happy, care free life even with her challenges and disabilities. She mastered 2 boarding schools in her younger years before she began her young adult life at Hammond State School at age 20. In 1984 Brenda had the privilege of joining Options as one of their clients. Options is a private, non-profit agency that helps people with disabilities live and work in the community.
Brenda’s accomplishments through the Options programs were many: President of Self-Advocacy, a position she held for 3 years advocating for herself and other individuals who are disabled to “Speak for Yourself”. She worked for Don’s Seafood and after 10+ years working for Popeye’s, she earned a gold watch for all of her hard work. Brenda loved to sing and joined the Hammond State School choir and participated in making an album. During President Carter’s term in Office, the Hammond State School choir was invited to travel to Washington, D.C. to sing for President Carter, what an honor and precious memory for so many.
Brenda loved her life and was very close to her family, she had many talents: She loved people, shopping became her hobby, enjoyed going to church, loved working and learning new things, dancing was in her genes, loved music (Elvis), enjoyed painting and coloring, loved family vacations, and her favorite was eating good Louisiana food. Christmas was Brenda’s favorite holiday; she loved decorating and getting lots of gifts from everyone. All of these things were made possible through Options training and supervised living assistance programs. Brenda thrived on her independence and her greatest accomplishment was living in her own apartment with her cat, Michelle Ann for many years in the community.
Brenda touched so many hearts along her life’s journey. We all have learned so much from her that we can pay forward for generations. Brenda’s family is so proud of her and we will never forget her extended family at Options. We are forever grateful to all the staff at Options who loved Brenda and cared for her as family for so many years. We are so thankful to Hospice of Baton Rouge who was so compassionate to all of Brenda’s needs.
As our mother, Joyce Andre Chauvin wrote in a letter when Brenda was 53 years old, said it best: “Today as I reflect back on Brenda’s life, I wonder where she would be if God had not played a big part in our lives. My family and I thank God for sending this special person to us. She has been a joy to us and also a special gift from God.”
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 401 Spruce St. Norco, LA. Visitation will be held from 10AM – 11AM with a Mass to begin at 11AM. Interment will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Destrehan, LA. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Brenda to: OPTIONS, 19362 W. Shelton Road, Hammond, LA 70401 or by visiting www.options4u.org
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