Erin Marie LeJeune Herrin

Erin Marie LeJeune Herrin passed away peacefully at her home on April 11, 2024, from a lengthy illness. Born on April 7, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was raised in Chalmette, and was a resident of Baton Rouge since 2004.

Always the consummate performer, her love of dance started early in life. At three years old, she sang and danced on stage with The New Kids on the Block during their concert in the Louisiana Superdome. A 2004 graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, New Orleans, she was a member of the award-winning Carmelettes Dance Team.

In 2008 she graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Upon graduation, Erin began her career as an outpatient clinical research coordinator at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge overseeing pharmacological clinical research trials; work she cherished. She was a maid in the 2008 Krewe of Aquila and was particularly proud of being named a Princess to the 2010 Court of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians (Washington Mardi Gras) by Krewe Captain, Senator Mary Landrieu.

The year 2012 brought with it life-altering medical challenges. Together, with strength and love from her friends and family, Erin met each challenge with bravery and faith. The next four years would bring ups and downs, but success was found in various treatments. Erin’s unyielding optimism brought her so many blessings, including meeting the love of her life. Erin and Grant were wed in 2019 beneath the stately oaks of historic Audubon Park (New Orleans) on an uncommonly warm January day, setting the precedent for the uniquely beautiful life they would build together. Their travels to Washington D.C. and Ireland for their honeymoon were cherished moments of happiness and adventure.

Despite years of reprieve, Erin’s condition progressed in 2020, leading to yet another series of surgeries, treatments, clinical trials, and most of all, prayers. Erin's resilience during these times was nothing short of inspirational. The love and support from her husband, as well as her family, friends, colleagues, and caregivers, formed a bedrock of strength enabling Erin to face each setback with hope.

Erin is survived by her husband, Grant Thomas Herrin; parents, Sidney & Darlene Higgins LeJeune; sister, Stacie LeJeune Pomes (Ryan); nephew, Alexander Ballard; maternal grandmother, Irma Sconza Higgins; aunts, Kathy Higgins Verigan (Terrence) and Cheryl Higgins Naquin (Roy); uncle, Michael LeJeune (Pamela); a host of cousins and other relatives; and her beloved furry caretaker and companion, Finn Herrin.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Herbert “Herbie” Higgins; paternal grandparents, Sidney LeJeune, Sr. & Alice Karl LeJeune; godmother, Gail LeJeune; and her beloved and loyal service animal, Lad IV Herrin.

Erin’s family is eternally grateful to her devoted friends, as well as her coworkers and colleagues at Pennington Biomedical for their unwavering support throughout the years. They are especially thankful for her beloved caregivers, among whom were Paulette Steely and D’Aisha Gibson, who brought comfort, compassion, and ministry to Erin in her final days.

Erin’s family is indebted to the numerous physicians and staff members for their service, dedication, and compassion throughout Erin’s journey these past twelve years. Special thanks are given to those at The Hospice of Baton Rouge, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, particularly Stephanie Knight, N.P., Carlos Kamiya-Matsuoka, M.D., and John de Groot, M.D.; as well as those at Hematology Oncology of Baton Rouge, especially Shelly Hernandez, R.N., and Christopher McCanless, M.D. Additional thanks are extended to Katie Hopkins, Executive Director of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, for her assistance and dedication in making Erin’s last Washington Mardi Gras a memorable occasion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. A Catholic memorial service will follow at 2 p.m.; eulogy provided by first cousin, Jerry Yager. Inurnment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119. Honorary pallbearers: Alex Ballard; Roy Naquin; Michael LeJeune; godfather, Terrence Verigan; and godsons, Brody Creech and Austin Relle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Brain Tumor Network (braintumornetwork.org/donate), whose staff worked tirelessly to locate clinical trials and countless resources to aid in Erin’s fight, and to honor her legacy of hope and perseverance.

Erin’s story of courage, enduring love, and relentless spirit will forever inspire those who knew her. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she led and the lasting impact she leaves. Rest in peace and with our love, Princess Erin.

Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.