Brenda Elizabeth Lutgring Watkins' Obituary
Brenda Elizabeth Lutgring Watkins, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Covington, La. She was born on March 26, 1939, in Martigues, France.
Originally from Erath, Brenda went to middle school and high school in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and then made her home in New Orleans and Mandeville. She will be remembered as brilliant storyteller, generous friend, and lover of laughter and dancing.
Brenda graduated from L.S.U. in 1961 with a degree in Education and English. Her first teaching job was at a private school in Houston. Later she taught for years at Trinity Episcopal School in New Orleans, where she is remembered by students and colleagues for her generosity and compassion as a teacher.
Brenda was an enthusiastic gardener with an encyclopedic knowledge of the plants of south Louisiana. She grew up riding Saddlebred horses, and introduced her love of riding and showing horses to her children. A highly skilled cook, Brenda loved to feed her family and friends. She will forever be remembered for making some of the best gumbo on earth to enjoy at home or send to far-flung friends in need of a taste of Louisiana.
Brenda is survived by her children, Erica Watkins French and her husband, Joshua French, and her daughter Liza Watkins. She is also survived by her sister Stephanie Lutgring and cousins Webster DuBois and his family, and Tina DuBois; her niece Holly Turner and her husband, Mike, and nephew Sean Jacques and his wife, Maryann, and their children, Ashton and Hunter; as well many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean Gautreaux Lutgring and Roberta Margaret DuBois Lutgring; and her sister Laurence "Lucie" Lutgring Jacques.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Watkins may be made to the Pontchartrain Conservancy to plant a tree to restore our coast https://pontchartrainconservancy.networkforgood.com/projects/48257-general-campaign.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrangements. The Watkins family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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