Shirley Robichaux Meunier

Shirley Robichaux Meunier of Covington departed this life on February 2, 2023. She was 96. Shirley was born on October 27, 1926, the elder child of Maurice J. Robichaux, Sr. and Mildred Hildebrand Robichaux. Originally from Algiers, Louisiana, she moved to New Orleans at an early age and graduated from Sophie B. Wright High School. A talented musician and pianist, Shirley worked towards her Bachelor of Music from Loyola University New Orleans before leaving school in 1946 to marry the love her life, Thomas J. Meunier, Sr. Together, Shirley and Tom lovingly raised six children before Tom’s premature death in 1967 at the age of 40. Shirley then returned to Loyola, completed her degree in Piano Pedagogy and went to work for the Louisiana State Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. During her decades there, she tirelessly served countless individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities and earned a reputation as a fierce defender of and advocate for the rights and dignity of the disabled. After retiring, Shirley moved to Mandeville to care for her elderly mother while also doing volunteer work, playing piano with her musical band the Memory Lanes at nursing homes and retirement communities throughout the New Orleans area, keeping up with family and friends, devouring crossword puzzles and tackling a never-ending list of home improvement projects. Shirley was charismatic, warm, and generous and freely shared her gifts of music, laughter and wit. Friends, family, and strangers alike were charmed and entertained by her inimitable storytelling. Shirley is survived by her brother, Maurice J. (“Buddy”) Robichaux, Jr., her six children, Tom Meunier (Crystal), Gerald Meunier (Kathy), John Meunier (Karen), Michael Meunier, Mark Meunier and Yvette Cuccia (Mark), nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Burial was private; a Mass and memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3368 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, with visitation at 10:30am and service at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Padre Pio Foundation of America. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Meunier family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Shirley Robichaux Meunier

October 27, 1926 - February 2, 2023