Herta Schwarz Rousseau

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Herta S. Rousseau on Monday, May 19, 2025. She was 94.

She was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany, and moved to the United States when she married James Rousseau. They lived in Louisiana for many years. She later moved to California after the death of her husband.

Herta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed many activities and took painting classes and Spanish classes at McNeese University. She had a business that promoted interest and participation in Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana. She was a creative and talented artist and had a passion for painting. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, and dancing. She loved her cats and fed the numerous strays that showed up at her house. She wrote and illustrated two humorous books about cats to raise money for the care of homeless cats and kittens.

Herta was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, James Rousseau, and her stepson, Jim Rousseau.

Those left to cherish her memories are her sister, Helga Krenkel of Frankfurt, Germany; one son, Fred Rousseau of Louisiana; two daughters, Angela Hartman and husband, John, of Vacaville, California, and Evelyn LeDoux of Louisiana; two grandchildren, Michele Valencia, and Clayton Toerner and wife Courtney; four great grandchildren, Devan Coffey, Kaitlin Coffey, Aria Toerner, and Davin Robertson; her niece, Martina and Michael Schwind and their children, David, Yesca, and Lea of Aschaffenburg, Germany, and her beloved cat, Domino.

There will be a memorial service for Herta at McCune Garden Chapel in Vacaville, California.

The family would like to thank those who took care of Herta at home and at the hospital.