Dr. Claudia Rita Schuth Shepherd passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the age of 71. Beloved wife of the late Robert John Shepherd. Loving mother of Darnell Shepherd, Rhonda Shepherd (Bobby), Lisa Shepherd, Robyn Shepherd (Wes), Jessica Shepherd and the late Michael John Shepherd. Daughter of the late Henry Charles Schuth and Elsie Daigle Schuth. Sister of Henry “Chuck” Schuth Jr., Christine Schuth Stogner (Ronnie) and Cynthia Schuth Moreau. Proud Grammy of Tomi Anne Ramel. Also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends.
Claudia was a long time resident of Chalmette, Slidell, and New Orleans, LA. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School on Canal St. in 1963 and attended LSUNO with the intention of becoming a mathematician before deciding on medicine. She was accepted early into LSU Medical School and was later awarded her B.S. She was a member of the Honor Medical Society, Alpha Omega Alpha and Alpha Xi Delta Social Sorority. She graduated 2nd in her class from LSU Medical School in 1970. She completed her residency and fellowship at LSUHSC and remained for more than 30 years as a tenured Associate Professor and Neonatologist with a specialty in Pediatric Infectious Diseases. She worked at hospitals all over the New Orleans and Slidell area. She has authored and co-authored numerous publications in medical journals including writing a portion of the Surgeon General’s report. She was a medical expert for medical trials and freelanced for staff in Baton Rouge area hospitals. As Medical Director of the NICU at Northshore Hospital she remained with all her patients during Hurricane Katrina; which she would have done even if she didn’t have that title. She had a thirst for knowledge and continually tried to further her education. Late in her career she even enrolled in law school as something she could do when she retired! Anyone who knew her would tell you she was the smartest person you’d ever know. She retired in 2008 due to health issues. She was the best mom, sister, grammy, aunt, or cousin anyone could ever hope for. She was witty and kind and would do anything for anyone no matter what. She will be greatly missed everyday by us all.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her honor to the New Orleans Children’s Hospital NICU, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, Attn. Development Dept., 504-896-9375. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.
