Elizabeth Ann Martin Mouton

1934 - 2018

Elizabeth "Libby" Ann Martin Mouton, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 3, surrounded by her family. The loving mother of five children, her life was devoted to nurturing, caring for and supporting her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with them, her grandchildren and her namesake great-granddaughter. The family home was a magnet for family members and their many friends, who relished their time with Libby and one another. Libby was a kind, generous, loving mother and wife. She will be remembered for her grace, compassion and strength in leading her family through some difficult medical circumstances over the years. Her small stature belied her fierce determination to protect and care for her loved ones. "Maw Maw" was the consummate steel magnolia. Dating back to her youth in Lafayette, Libby was constantly on the go and enjoyed going on social outings with her many friends, whether shopping for new clothes or having coffee and dining out on her favorite type of cuisine, Louisiana seafood. She also loved to travel and visited cities across America with her children and grandchildren. In Boston, she adored the Pops and in New York, her energy outpaced us all. She was active in her bridge and garden clubs. Flowers were her passion and looking at beautiful blooms always brought a smile to her face as she leaned over to observe and take in cut flowers decorating her home or the homes of friends. She attended Southwestern University, now called The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which she left before graduating in order to marry her husband of 47 years, William ("Bill") Joseph Mouton, Jr. They lived just around the corner from one another in Lafayette and left for New Orleans where Bill became a professor of Architecture at Tulane University. In between, they lived briefly in Bermuda as part of Bill's commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Libby became active in the Tulane University Women's Association where she served as a board member. She volunteered at Tulane Medical Center and was a member of the Colonial Garden Club for decades. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Rita Altar Society and Marian prayer group. She was also a member of the St. Rita Silver Trotters and Fun Seekers. Friends were an important part of Libby's life and she connected with them on a daily basis. Whether by telephone or visits in her living room, Libby cherished their companionship. The family is grateful to have had physicians like Frank Culicchia, MD and Jiselle Heaney Bock, MD, for consultation as to Libby's care in the last couple of weeks and to Nona Epstein, MD for the compassionate care she provided as her personal physician for over 30 years. Libby was preceded in death by her parents Frank Lloyd Martin and Elizabeth Hawkins Martin, her husband Bill and her daughter Stephanie Mouton Reed, who predeceased Libby just a few days prior. (Funeral for Stephanie Mouton Reed planned for Nov. 24) Surviving children are David Edward Mouton (Karen), Robert William Mouton (Tiffany), Martin Joseph Mouton and Mary Elizabeth Mouton; grandchildren Jacky Mouton Kepper, Michelle Mouton Cronvich, Christopher Robert Mouton, Ryan David Mouton, William Jackson Reed, Collin J. Short and great-granddaughter Elizabeth "Ellie" Kepper. Funeral services for Libby Mouton will be held on Friday, November 9 at St. Rita Church in Harahan. Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. with Visitation to follow and Mass at noon. Libby will be laid to rest at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist Cemetery at 4pm in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Rita Catholic Church in Harahan and Tulane University School of Architecture.