Gretchen Sonja Sehrt

Gretchen Sonja Sehrt, interior designer and international model, peacefully departed this life at her New Orleans home on April 6, 2018, at the age of 78. She battled a terminal illness with dignity and grace for the last year of her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, prominent attorney and former Louisiana Banking Commissioner Clem H. Sehrt and business owner Norris Tricon Sehrt, and her brother C. Tricon Sehrt. Ms. Sehrt attended Ursuline Academy, Gulf Park College for Girls, and Loyola University of Chicago. She was a steadfast supporter of a wide variety of local and national causes. Ms. Sehrt along with her brother established the Clement H. and Norris Tricon Sehrt Law Scholarship Fund at Loyola University School of Law. This scholarship has benefited countless students over the years since it was founded, and with her generous donation to the endowment scholarship it will continue for generations to come. Ms. Sehrt after graduating high school moved to New York City to attend modeling school. After modeling in New York City, Ms. Sehrt moved to Europe where she lived and modeled for many years. Ms. Sehrt modeled for some of the most famous designers in history including Coco Chanel. Upon returning to New Orleans, Ms. Sehrt met and married Robert R. Burton, Jr. She later moved to Chicago with her husband for his career. She continued modeling in the fashion industry while residing in Chicago. Ms. Sehrt relocated with her husband and son to Houston where she started Gretchen's Designs, Ltd. Ms. Sehrt after living in Chicago and Houston for over 20 years returned to New Orleans in 1989. She was a member of the Krewe of Iris. She always enjoyed Mardi Gras season, and was on the royal court of the Krewe of Hermes in her youth. Ms. Sehrt has since donated her crown and scepter which is on display in the French Quarter. She was dedicated to many charities in the city she called home. She enjoyed her travels abroad and never missed a chance to purchase antique home furnishings and one-of-a- kind jewelry pieces. She remained actively engaged in her family's real estate and investment holdings for several decades; until her illness prevented her supervision at which time her son became the principal partner over the Tricon Sehrt business ventures. Ms. Sehrt is survived by her only child, Robert. R. Burton, III, his wife, Carmen Smith Burton of Madisonville, LA; and four grandchildren, Mary Grace Burton, Robert R. Burton, IV, Bowen Sehrt Burton, and Banks Duvall Burton. Visitation with a memorial service to follow will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018. The family will accept friends and family at 12:00 pm with the service starting promptly at 1:30 pm at JACOB SCHOEN & SON, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Gretchen Sehrt may be sent to Louisiana Children's Museum (the family plans to have a memorial placed at the new LCM in City Park), 420 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.schoenfh.com.