Henrietta Vinas Guste

Henrietta Vinas Guste, a woman of extraordinary vitality and an exuberant, loving spirit passed into eternal life on May 14 at 1:30 a.m. Her life was characterized by the deepest possible commitment to God, her family and her profession of educating young people.

Henrietta was born on December 8, 1949 in Miami, Florida to Maria Josepha Beguiristain and Enrique G. Vinas. From age nine, she was designated the neighborhood babysitter, also delighting aunts and uncles by caring for her numerous cousins on a regular basis. Her effervescent sweetness would blossom into a lifelong passion for educating the young.

Henrietta came to New Orleans in 1967 as a wide-eyed and beautiful college freshman and met the love of her life, Bernard Randolph Guste or “Randy”, at the freshmen orientation dance. Randy and “Henri” were married just after their graduation from Loyola. They remained deeply committed to one another ever since. Their love bore fruit in four beautiful children – Bernard Randolph Guste, Jr., Henry Schutten Guste (Petra), Jules Alciatore Guste (Cassie) and Josephine Vinas Guste, and in seven Precious grandchildren: Henry, Cecille, Simone, Claiborne, Amelie, Susan, and Benjamin.

After their marriage, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas where Henrietta became certified to teach elementary education, bi-lingual education, and High School Spanish and French. Returning to the New Orleans area, the couple chose to make their home in Slidell, and there Henrietta began a 19 year career teaching Spanish at Slidell High School. During those years, Henri received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of New Orleans. Henri adored her students and they adored her. In the 19 years she energetically taught, she mentored thousands of young people and influenced their lives on a personal basis. Known as a knowledgeable and caring professional, she was constantly asked to participate in evaluation of children’s special needs whether behavioral, academic, speech or language related. Henri served as moderator of the Keywanettes, a Junior Civic Club, and also as moderator of the Foreign Language Club. Accompanied by her husband, Henrietta frequently led educational tours with her students, including trips abroad. Her love for life and learning was contagious.

Most importantly, Henrietta’s lifetime achievement is as an exemplary woman of family. She raised four wonderful, successful children who lovingly adore her. Henri and Randy continuously welcomed hundreds of children into their home and their hearts, including their many nieces and nephews.

Henrietta’s enormous creative energy and enthusiasm blessed her home, her students and colleagues, her church community and all who knew her with warmth, love and joie-de-vivre.

Radiant in beauty, inside and out, Henrietta will never be forgotten. Undoubtedly, she will educate us all from her special place in heaven.

Mass in Celebration of Henrietta’s life will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Wednesday May 20 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit.www.lakelawnmetairie.com.