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Susan Chiasson Schenken
Susan Chiasson Schenken
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Susan Schenken Obituary
Susan graduated from South Lafourche High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Centenary College, followed by a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Nicholls State University. Her educational background fueled her passion for supporting young people in their academic and personal growth.
She is survived by her loving family: son Evan Schenken, daughter Rema Schenken, brothers John and Mark Chiasson, and sisters Ruth Chiasson Meissner and Melissa Chiasson Durocher. Susan was preceded in death by her husbands Nuri Mostafavi-Kashani and Dr. John Richard Schenken, her daughter Nassim Kashani, and her parents Roland M. Chiasson and Rema Acosta Chiasson.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in her honor on Saturday, August 17th, from 12-3 PM at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, located at 600 Elonore St. in New Orleans.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan's memory can be made to Zeus' Rescue. Donations can be submitted online at [https://zeusrescues.org/donate/](https://zeusrescues.org/donate/). Susan's compassion for both people and animals continues to inspire all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lian Warner
August 12, 2024
I´ve had the privilege of knowing Susan for 14 years and having a growing and evolving relationship with her. She was my high school guidance counselor. She helped me during my gap year and college application process afterwards. She also helped me through numerous personal crises. I had the joy of reconnecting with Susan when she called me in 2021 while I was in Grad school for my Library degree, she hired me to be the Librarian at Ridgewood for the 2021-2022 school year. So we really came full circle from Guidance Counselor and teacher to work college and mentor. My mom passed in 2022, so I left Ridgewood after a hear to handle the estate and Susan was there for me, she gave me a small loan and really was supportive through that process and later some health issues I had. We stayed in contact for the next two years. I´m glad we got to visit whenever I was in town and I also appreciated keeping up over the phone at least monthly. In this last year her final gift to me was helping me acquire my current library position as a University Academic Librarian. I will truly miss her. She was honest, kind, fair, and funny. I wish the best to her children and family, you will be in my prayers.
Shari Meyer
August 11, 2024
A dear, valued, and long-time colleague, I will miss my unrepeatable friend, Susan Schenken.
We car pooled 15 years ago when gas was over $4/gallon which made it all the more fun driving in the rain to school December 11, 2008. Rema said something about it snowing, and we, enjoying the youthful hope, assured her that it needed to be 32 degrees or colder - which only took about a minute! :) We rejoiced in the car together, then parked and watched a senior jump out of her car, hands raised, shouting, "It's snowing, it's snowing, it's snowing!"
A few years later, I intended to car shop and considered a clutch. Susan took me around town to a quiet parking lot and one of our only hills, so I could practice what she was teaching me - in HER car. It was fun! And what a gift of time and goods. I didn't end up purchasing a clutch, but when I was four days from the last payment of that new vehicle, someone totaled it in front of my house. This happened the week before Christmas, when I had so many things to do, I had a sticky note attached to my phone with what I needed to before school as I left before 6:30 a.m. Then I saw my car. Susan didn't just pick me up but told me to take her car wherever I needed to do whatever I had to get done, all week. What a relief to a band director (me) concert week! And frankly it was probably more fun to do a bad week with a kind and generous friend than the normal one planned.
EVERY encounter, every moment shared was a good one. Rare gem.
I'm praying for you who love her.
Sara Al-Dahir
August 11, 2024
Susan was truly dedicated to seeing the students succeed, which she selflessly demonstrated when the school closed abruptly. She prioritized their needs over her own and was kind and dedicated. I am very blessed to have worked with her as a parent.
Hamp Simmons
August 11, 2024
Susan and I were roommates in my 1st 2 apartments in LA. We had some great times back then.
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Linda Leto
August 9, 2024
I worked at Ridgewood for 8 years! Susan and I became great friends.She was awesome with the students
M Lee Crook AKA Leland Crooke
August 9, 2024
She could always make me laugh. Sue and I were classmates in the theatre department at Centenary College. No matter what show we were doing - comedy, tragedy, drama, musical - she would lead a "Cajun" version backstage that would have us all in tears! The last time we spoke was during covid where she referred to the virus as "the cootie" which again, made me laugh and eased some of the tension and angst we were all feeling. She will be missed.
Nicole, Tom, Grant Randell
August 7, 2024
My son went to Ridgewood from pre-K to 12 so we know her From Ridgewood very sad. My prayers are with her family.
Gwen Martinez
August 6, 2024
Susan always saw the good in everyone and tried to make situations better. The world would be a better place with more people like Sue
Patricia Stein
August 5, 2024
I'm sorry that we won't be able to share in Susan 's celebration of life. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. My friendship with Susan goes back 25 years when we taught English together at Brother Martin High School. Whether spending time in New Orleans, New York City, or here in Natchez, we always cherished our time together. Her passing leaves a huge void in my life. Rest in peace, my sweet Susan. I'll see you on the other side. Love you
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