Loretta Jean Schuh "Gigi" Cadis' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Loretta Jeanne Cadis
Obituary
Passing and Faith
Loretta Jeanne (Schuh) “Gigi” Cadis, 85, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana for 50 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. She was comforted by her Christian faith after a long struggle with memory loss.
Early Life and Heritage
Born on November 1, 1940, at Seton Shoal Creek Hospital in Austin, Texas, Jeanne was a proud fifth-generation Texan. Her ancestors, resilient German and Czechoslovakian pioneers, contributed to shaping the early history of Texas and taming the wild west. Jeanne attended elementary school at St. Austin Catholic School near the University of Texas and graduated high school in 1958, at the age of 17 years old, from St. Mary’s Academy in Austin.
Character and Resilience
Jeanne led a rewarding and meaningful life grounded in family, faith, and a resolute spirit she inherited from her pioneer Texas ancestors. She faced life’s joys and hardships with energy and resilience, often inspiring hope in impossible circumstances in those around her. Through difficult seasons—including periods of depression, adversity, and strained relationships—Jeanne’s warmth, her dedication to loving others, and her grace even in struggle remained evident to those who knew her best.
Family and Legacy
As a devoted mother to her four children and beloved grandmother known as “Gigi,” Jeanne poured out love through acts of service (cooking, decorations, painting), giving gifts and encouraging many members of her extended family and friends. Her outgoing nature and curiosity touched many lives. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the cherished memories she created, and her ability to overcome in challenging times.
Talents and Hobbies
A talented seamstress, like her mother, Jeanne lovingly crafted beautiful dresses for her daughter. She found great joy in gardening, with her lush backyard, “Jeanne’s Jungle,” reflecting her nurturing spirit and appreciation for beauty she cherished reflecting the ambiance of the beautiful courtyards in New Orleans. Jeanne also took pride in maintaining her home, once painting its entire exterior by hand with a small 2-inch brush!
Love of New Orleans
New Orleans held a special place in Jeanne’s heart. Her family affectionately called her a “professional tourist” for her weekly, joyful visits to the French Quarter, where she greeted friendly shop owners on Royal Street, attended the Jazz Festival regularly and enjoyed meals at favorites such as Court of Two Sisters, the Gumbo Shop, and Café Du Monde. Jeanne loved exploring antique shops, museums and touring historic antebellum plantations from St. Francisville down to Plaquemines Parish, often serving as a Tour Guide for visiting family and friends.
Collector and Cook
Jeanne enjoyed collecting rare antiques and books, appreciating the elegance of the Old South. She always kept the latest issue of Southern Living, and sometimes the Enquirer, close at hand. As a gifted New Orleans Creole cook, she brought family together with traditional dishes like red beans and rice, seafood okra gumbo, and daube spaghetti. Christmas was especially meaningful to her, as she delighted in decorating, over the top wrapping of gifts with care, and giving them with true joy; decorating her home like the elegant Christmas displays she saw when touring in the Garden District of New Orleans during the Christmas season.
Faith and Spiritual Life
Jeanne’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, beginning in 1978 when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior (being Born Again). This event radically changed the trajectory of her life, her family and her conversation. In the 1980s, she attended St. Tammany Evangelical Church, participated in women’s Bible studies, and devoted herself to studying Scripture, wearing out several Bibles over the years. She shared her faith quietly, keeping gospel tracts to gently guide visitors, especially young people, who came to her home.
Interests and Relationships
Jeanne had a passion for history, old movies (i.e. Gone with the Wind) and classic Hollywood, with a remarkable memory for details about golden-era stars. She enjoyed long games of Scrabble, attending book signings, and engaging in meaningful conversations, especially with her younger brother in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Greatest Blessings
Above all, Jeanne cherished her children and her personal relationship with Jesus as her greatest blessings.
Gratitude
Her family expresses deep gratitude to the compassionate staff of Heritage Manor Nursing Home Memory Care Unit for their care during Jeanne’s final chapter.
Preceded in Death
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, George Valtine Schuh, of Comal County, Texas and Emile Vivian (Ondrej) Schuh of Cameron, Texas, and her sister, Emilie Louise (Schuh) Ille of Austin, Texas.
Surviving Family
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Carl Anthony Cadis, Sr.; her sons Carl Anthony “Tony” Cadis, Jr. (Johnette), Christopher Todd Cadis (Ann), and Stephen Brian Cadis; her daughter Laura Elizabeth (Cadis) Holcomb (Bobby); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her brother, George William Schuh, a decorated former U.S. Marine Corps Captain who served valiantly in the Vietnam War.
Memorial Service
A memorial service to celebrate Jeanne’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Chapel, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m.
Legacy
Jeanne will be deeply missed! Her love, her recipes, and the many lives she touched will ensure her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her!
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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