Obituary

Jan Tate Obituary
Janelle “Jan” Schexnaildre Tate passed into the arms of our loving God on September 25, 2025 at the age of 75 after a brief but intense battle with cancer of the small intestines. When confronted with the cancer diagnosis and its advanced stage, Jan courageously decided to forego chemo treatments; she knew Who was waiting for her on the other side, a faithful God who never ceased to shower her with love and mercy. Jan drew strength from these words from the prophet Isaiah (Is. 12:2): “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been my savior.” Jan lived her Catholic faith with passion as a wife, mother, grandmother and spiritual director and mentor to scores of people.

Jan was predeceased by her parents Clayton and Lois Schexnaildre and her brother Paul Schexnaildre (Suzy). She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lloyd Tate, and her 5 children: Adam Tate (Eugenie), Rachel Mulry (Pat), Jessica Vicknair, Sarah Foote (Gary) and Evan Tate (Tracie). Jan is also survived by 18 grandchildren whom she adored and who lovingly called her Mamere. She is also survived by 3 siblings: Val King (Ed), Drew Schexnaildre (Lylee) and Rene Schexnaildre (Susie) and a host of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jan was an honor graduate of both Chapelle High School and Loyola University where she earned a degree in communications. She was indeed a gifted communicator highly regarded as a retreat director and her engaging Faith witness led her to speaking opportunities both nationally and internationally. Jan was actively involved in multiple Church ministries since her high school years. Her ministries are too many to enumerate but her two primary ministries were serving as a spiritual director at the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center for almost 30 years and her joint ministry with her husband Lloyd over the past 48 years in preparing couples for marriage in the Catholic Church. Jan and Lloyd were encouraged to author a book to guide other married couples in mentoring engaged couples for marriage. Their program, “In Home Marriage Preparation” is used extensively in the New Orleans area and in several dioceses around the US. In addition to training hundreds of married couples to engage in this ministry, Jan and Lloyd have personally prepared more than 400 engaged couples for marriage and enjoyed close ongoing relationships with many of them.

The family wants to extend profound gratitude to all who sent loving messages to Jan attesting to her impact on their lives. She received well over 100 such messages. She truly experienced the graces of a “happy death.” “Well done good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master’s joy.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road on Friday, October 3, 2025 at noon. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Jan will be buried on the holy grounds of St. Joseph Abbey in a private ceremony following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, Catholic Charities, or a Christian charity of your choice