Joan Chopin Rubenstein

Joan Elise Chopin Rubenstein was born in New Orleans August 9, 1936, to Wm G. Chopin and Joan Cooper Chopin. Following a brief illness, Joan died on Friday, March 10, 2017, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sister and sisters-in-law, and her many old friends who will forever miss her warm heart, friendship, and open door. Joan was preceded in death by her younger brother, Charles Cooper Chopin; a son, Charles August Rubenstein; her former husband Harry Rubenstein, and a beloved aunt, Frances Chopin Long of New Orleans. She is survived by a sister, Beth Chopin of New Orleans; a son Harry Rubenstein IV and his wife Mary of Memphis, Tennessee; daughters Madeleine Badame and her husband Paul of Baton Rouge; Elizabeth Spencer of Salida, Colorado; grandchildren Robert &Harry Spencer, Matt Rubenstein, Tiffany Toucheque; a special cousin Nancy Murphy, and a beloved aunt, Adele Uddo of New Orleans. Joan grew up in Uptown New Orleans near her family's Florist shop on St. Charles Avenue, and throughout her life had a magic touch with flowers and plants, as well as people. She attended Fortier and then LSU in the late 1950's when she married and devoted her life to her 4 children, many nieces and nephews, and their many friends who referred to her as "Aunt Joan". If she was not working helping others, she was at home cooking for an endless stream of kids, neighbors, and visitors who gathered wherever she was. Like a magnet she drew friends and entertained with two kids in her lap and a phone in each hand. Her greatest delight was spoiling children (and their parents) with fun, parties, and gifts. She liked to say she was "The Glue that holds us all together" and being totally down to earth, she was the center of gravity for all those lucky enough to be near her. Heartbroken at her loss, we will now envy the Angels her presence. A private family service will be held in New Orleans at a date to be announced, with entombment in the Chopin Family Tomb in Metarie Cemetery, New Orleans. Memorial donations in her name should be directed to Hospice of Baton Rouge.