Janys Elise Huntington Schexnader

Born on July 6, 1925 in Opelousas, Janys Elise Huntington Schexnader was a generous, kind, compassionate, most forgiving woman.  She was thoughtful and unpretentious, and she had a quiet and unassuming presence. She always had a classic appearance and timeless sense of etiquette.

A devout Catholic, Janys practiced her faith her entire life.

As a young person growing up in Opelousas, Janys developed a love for water skiing and for traveling to the Mississippi Gulf coast with her beloved grandparents and first cousins. As a student, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI) what today is the University of Louisiana (UL) in Lafayette.

An avid college and professional football fan, she also enjoyed movies from “Gone with the Wind” to “The Shawshank Redemption.”  

Janys enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Gaga”.

Gaga was tirelessly committed to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and God. She demonstrated her commitment by never failing to offer her family and friends more of whatever she had, from Dr. Pepper to fried shrimp. She had a genteel disposition and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

Janys died in Opelousas on May 4th, 2023 at the age of 97. She had a lasting impact on the people she touched in her long, fruitful and blessed life.

Janys is survived by 3 children: Don deBlanc, Denise deBlanc and Dr. Hunt deBlanc (Monet), two step-daughters: Anne Hebert and Kathy Gauthier, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Thomas Schexnader, her parents, Theodore Wensel Huntington and Mabel Lacombe Huntington, her grandson, Alexander deBlanc, and her stepson, Thomas (Tom) Schexnader.

The family extends their thanks to Tradition’s Hospice, Darlene Fruge, Dorothy Roussell and Gail Jackson for their professionalism and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.
 
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 11 AM at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas.