Olympe “Lynn” R. Reith

Published 6:00 am Friday, November 24, 2017

LOREAUVILLE — Mrs. Roland Reith, the former Olympe “Lynn” Richard, died peacefully at her residence in Loreauville on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at the age of 95, with her dearest and most loving friend Isela at her side.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Mrs. Olympe “Lynn” Richard Rieth, 95, at 11 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2017, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Fr. Paul Onuegbe will be the celebrant, assisted by Fr. Godwin Nzeh CM, Associate Pastor. Interment will follow at the All Saints Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited by her dearest friend Isela Kerne at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

Lynn was born December 2, 1921, in Arnaudville to Armand and Cedolise Richard. She was a former resident of Avery Island, New Orleans, Pass Christian, Mississippi and a resident of Loreauville.

Lynn is survived by her stepsons Ray and Pat Reith of New Orleans; Isela Kerne who was like a daughter to Lynn; five nephews; and three nieces.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roland Reith; her parents, Armand and Cedolise Richard; brothers Arista Richard, Joseph “Bill” Richard, Benjamin “Nie” Richard and Hulin Richard; and her sisters Josephine Richard, Beatrice Braddock, Alice LeBlanc and Rosita Dartez.

Ms. Lynn, as she was known by all, lived the last 12 years of her life at St. Catherine’s Manor. She moved here in 2005 after hurricane Katrina destroyed her home. Shortly after moving here and before a major surgery, she met Isela Kerne who became her assistant and soon after, her dearest and loving friend. After enduring many surgeries and due to her medical condition, Lynn required the attention and care of many doctors. Ms. Lynn enjoyed going to the casino, going out to eat, going for rides, visiting her doctors and making the nurses laugh. She enjoyed playing Scrabble in the community room with anyone who was up for the challenge and of course watching her favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints. She told many stories of her days living in New Orleans like a true Cajun does. Ms. Lynn was a lover of life, she brought sunshine and laughter to all she met. She outlived many residents and two managers at St. Catherine’s Manor. Ms. Lynn was famous for her delicious beef soup and enjoyed sharing it with the residents. She attributed her beauty to a lotion mixed with different types of oils, which she enjoyed mixing and sharing for anyone wanting to have beautiful skin. Ms. Lynn enjoyed attending mass celebrated by Fr. Paul on Fridays at the manor. They share a long and standing joke only be known to them. Ms. Lynn enjoyed participating in all activities provided at the manor. She enjoyed dogs and often spoke of those she had in her past. Ms. Lynn enjoyed holidays and outings with two of her closest friends Monique Vice and Isela Kerne till the end.

 We wish to express our love and gratitude to Heart of Hospice for sending the most wonderful, caring nurses who tended to her every day after she returned from the hospital and on her final day here, Jennifer Snoddy, Amy Sanny, Alyson Champagne and Laykin Bellard. Isela wishes to express her deepest gratitude to the residents of St. Catherine’s Manor, who assisted her and offered up their prayers. Ms. Lynn was an amazingly wonderful and beautiful woman and will be missed.

Isela Kerne requests the honor of all to a reception celebration for the wonderful and beautiful life they shared together for 12 years. It will be held at Loreau Place located at 101 North Main Street, Loreauville, LA.

To view guestbook, go to www.acadianfuneralhome.net.

Acadian Funeral Home of New Iberia, is in charge of arrangements, 802 Weldon St., 364-6162.