Lumina Claire Newchurch

1916 - 2020

Lumina Claire Newchurch, age 104, died on December 5, 2020. Born on September 21,1916 to Mr. Frank Newchurch, Sr. and Mrs. Louise Angelle Trahan Newchurch, Lumina grew up along the banks of Bayou LaFourche in Paincourtville, Louisiana. She and her 7 siblings, Marie Louise Ardonne, Frank Newchurch, Jr., Anatole Newchurch, Claire Laure Tschirn, Edwin Newchurch, Frances Therese Lechtenberg, and Marguerite "Billie" Aucoin were raised in the ways of the Catholic Church. That mindset of a fervent faith, with love, prayers, and service for all, permeated Lumina's daily life, and what a wonderful life she had! At a time when few women pursued higher education, Lumina embarked on a non-traditional career path. Perseverance, hard work, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1937 availed Miss Newchurch employment experiences as an Educator, a Defense Plant worker, a Notary Public, and a Senior Analyst with Standard Oil/Exxon Mobil, where she enjoyed a 38 year career. This remarkable centenarian was a woman of great intellect and wisdom, but above all, was a loyal and faithful servant of God. Years of volunteering at St. Aloysius, Christ the King, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and with various ministries within the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, Miss Newchurch assisted anyone in need. She ardently supported our clergy and kept them in her prayers. A long-time resident of Saint James' Place, many were graced by Lumina's smile and blessed by her friendship. Lumina prayed for us. She loved us. She taught us how to live by the Word of God, the Will of God, and the Love of God. This holy woman taught us how to live and die gracefully. When viewing death, Lumina waited patiently, knowing she had worked her entire life eagerly anticipating eternal life in Heaven. We learned from her example, and all agreed the world was a better place because of this great woman. Lumina's love for family and friends was second only to her love of the Lord. She was also a lover of angels. Aunt Mina collected thousands of angels, and her home was always called Angels' Haven. Known affectionately by her family as "The Head Angel," she was loving and loyal, holy and humble, passionate and compassionate. She was an instrument of God's peace. She was our Earthly Angel, and she has now taken her place amid the choir of Heavenly Angels. Survived by her youngest sister, Marguerite "Billie" Aucoin, nieces, nephews of many generations, friends, family, clergy, and loved ones too numerous to mention, Lumina Claire Newchurch will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donations to Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church and School in Paincourtville or to Saint Aloysius.