Louisette Trousdale Brown

It was always humbling growing up with a grandmother who was cooler than us. Louisette's joie de vivre, magnetism, fabulous style, playful humor, and generous spirit remain an inspiration to all. She found her home in the hearts of diverse people and places. Far from provincial, Louisette grew up in Monroe, welcomed her first child in Morocco, raised her family in New Orleans, and traveled the world before spending her final years on picturesque Bayou Bonfouca. A southern bohemian, she lived life by her own rules (especially speed limits). As an avid reader and adventurer, Louisette cultivated curiosity for the world in each of us. Through her Mexican jewelry, African art, French turns of phrase, and shared travels, she stretched our world far beyond Louisiana. However, her gift for gardening and love of nature (excluding snakes) granted us an appreciation for the beauty residing right in our backyard. Because of her exceptional taste, she, along with her dear friends Pam Hayne and Tim Trapolin, created the event decorating company Anything Grows, which later transformed into a landscape design company. She subsequently obtained a certification from Harvard University in landscape architecture. Her love of flowers and nature drove many of her contributions to her community. She was a past president of the Garden Study Club, a longtime member of the Garden Committee for the New Orleans Botanical Garden, a co-chair of the second Art in Bloom, and a regular volunteer at Longue Vue House and Gardens. She also served on numerous boards in the community. Throughout life, she enchanted us with her sharp wit. We could always count on her teasing (and sometimes racy) gag gifts around Christmas. It was her edifying yet often self-deprecating sense of humor that put so many at ease. She had a remarkable talent for making people feel like family. Wherever her dinner table, people were drawn to her artful taste, culinary skills, casual spirit, and sincere conversation. And sometimes the night ended with dancing on that very table. Examples of such revelry occurred during the decades she helped organize the Athenian Literary and Crustacean Society. Annually, she and her fellow crawfish-enthusiasts gathered to party, eat crawfish, and sometimes remember to read some Keats. Playing tennis well into her eighties, her life-long athleticism made her an energetic playmate. Her ten great grandchildren were blessed by her playful spirit as well. Whether roaring through a dinosaur mask or lifting toddlers to access hidden candy, they treasured time with their "Meme." Despite her lightness of spirit, she was no stranger to adversity. In the midst of profound tragedies, including the loss of her husband and one of her sons, she persevered. As the daughter of an Army general, resilience was one of her key traits. Contained in her five-foot-six stature was a cosmos of fortitude. She was the matriarchal rock of our family, and we remain grateful for her example. Thankfully, love followed Louisette wherever she went. During her precious decades married to our grandfather, Alfred Brown Jr., they built a beautiful and adventurous life with their three sons. After his untimely passing, she found love and support in family and close friends. Thereafter she fell in love with her partner of the past twenty-eight years, George Dunbar. At their beloved home and studio, Pleasure Point, she worked fervently to further help advance George's artistic career. In this haven on the bayou, she spent her final days surrounded by her adoring family. She is preceded in death by her loving and devoted son Rufus McIlhenny Brown and her first love and husband, Alfred Whitney Brown, Jr. She is survived by her partner George; siblings Nancy Schenecker and George Trousdale Jr.; her two loving sons Alfred "Buzzy" Brown and Christian "Christy" Brown, whom along with their brother, she loved and adored with all of her heart, and daughters-in-law, Joey, Liz and Kia. Her four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren as well as countless other friends and family cherish the loving impact she had on their lives. Among the countless fond memories we will forever treasure, we recall her festive custom of saying goodbye. Standing on her porch, white handkerchief in hand, she would wave us off with an affectionate "au revoir." With hearts full of love, now it is our turn to bid adieu and wave our handkerchiefs. Au revoir, Meme! Love, Whitney, Duncan, Amelie and Christian. In accordance with Louisette's wishes, her service and burial will be immediate family only. If you wish to honor her life with a gift, please consider the New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park or the charity of your choice.