Wanda Lasseigne Schiff

Wanda Lasseigne Schiff passed away at home in Montz, LA on the morning of Thursday, February 10, 2022 while fearlessly battling cancer. She was born on January 28, 1969, in New Orleans, LA. She is survived by parents, Norma and Philip Lasseigne and beloved sisters, Rhonda Lasseigne and Donna Lasseigne Schroeder. In addition, Dylan Schroeder and her cousin, who was like a brother, Cody Gautreaux. She is also survived by her daughter, Abigail Schiff, her two sons, Benjamin and Alexander Schiff, and her husband, Jim Schiff. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Norman and Mildred Amedee, as well as Robert and Helen Lasseigne.

As a St Charles Catholic alumna, Wanda had deep roots in the community where she grew up and maintained an abundance of lifelong friends. She attended Nicholls State College until she took a position at Johnson Controls in 1998 and was employed there until her passing. As a valued employee and friend to anyone she encountered, she rose to a position of Customer Operations Analyst over major projects in the southern region.

Wanda’s maternal side was nourished at an early age. She was a nanny for a family friend’s three children. It was during this time that Wanda learned to focus on her own family, often at the detriment of her own needs. Through the years, those children became family as she was referred to as “Aunt Wanda”. She also swam for the LARAYO Barracudas swim team when she was young and then returned to coach girls’ softball prior to having children of her own. After marriage, Wanda and Jim retuned to Larayo as swim and baseball team parents. They not only helped with the Larayo swim team, but she also volunteered wherever she could, as it was one of her favorite things to do. This was the way Wanda interacted with her children, as well as the children of her friends, once again deepening her roots within the community.

If you met Wanda once, you had a friend for life. Always smiling, cracking a joke, and forever telling stories. Wanda’s lust for life was evident to all who knew her. Her sense of humor and her infectious laugh is what she will be most remembered for. It was fitting that when the opportunity arose, she led a group, including her husband, sister, and a friend, to purchase a Mardi Gras float. For several years her time was given to planning, decorating, and riding with the Crew of Jefferson on Mardi Gras day. Although it was only an annual event it was the highlight of her year, culminating in a day filled with laughter, beads, and drinks.

After Katrina, she and her husband built their home in Montz, a small community in St. Charles Parish. Wanda was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Norco. It was there she again became an active volunteer for fundraising events. Later, she was a member of the Norco Elementary PTO and band concession coordinator for the Destrehan High School band. Once again, she gave her time and efforts for the youth as well as her community.

In the past decade, a group of special women came into her life, mostly comprised of mothers of her children’s friends. They had lunches, Bunco parties, beach trips, and numerous outings. This chapter in her life was not unlike any before; she was instantly accepted and beloved. Wanda’s biggest attribute was humility. When brought to her attention, her impact on others made her weep. She relished being a friend, a sister, and a confidant.

Wanda will be missed by all those who are left behind. Though our hearts are broken by her untimely death, may her spirit live on, her laughter echo throughout the land, and her strength endure in us all.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church in Norco, LA. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am with a Mass to begin at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall in Norco for family and friends. A private interment will be held at a later date at St. Peter Cemetery in Reserve, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Perry’s Posse. Information can be found at www.perrysposse.org

 

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