Elizabeth Joy Klein

Elizabeth “Joy” Compter Klein went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Born February 12, 1942 to Elmer and Clemence Cavaliere Compter. She was a resident of Metairie, LA for the majority of her life. She moved to Hendersonville, NC in 2008, where she met and married her husband Edward J Klein. Joy is survived by her children Sherrie Barry Maykut and Robert Barry Jr. (Annette) and is predeceased by her daughter Belinda Barry Casey (Mike). She has three grandchildren: Michael Casey Jr, Elizabeth Barry Napier (Derek) and Ashley Marie Maykut. Joy is survived by her brother Lynn Pierre Compter and sister Carol Bonnecaze and predeceased by her sister Loretta Clement (Jimmy). She will be missed by her loving nieces and nephews: James Clement (Sara), Deborah Clement, Nick Clement, Alcee Clement (deceased) Jonathan Compter, Timothy Bonnecaze (Lisa), Daniel Compter (Kristy), Debbie Carter, James McGuire (Karen), Sylvia McGuire, Maureen Colletta (Jordan), Colleen Scamardo (Pete) and Missy Bonano (Don) and cousins Carolyn Cavaliere and Ann Ware, who loved and helped care for her at the end of her life as well as cousins Jeralyn Maus (Gerald), Beverly Kilian, Shirley Settoon, Ronnie Theriot (Elaine) and George Davis (Sharon) and sister-in-law Sylvia McGuire. Joy had five step-children; Kathryn Hamann (Norman), Eric Klein (Beth), Suzanne Murphy (Ted), Thomas Klein (Shannon), William Klein (Shauna) and step grandchildren Katrina, Peter, Alysia, Meagan, Clare, Brigid, Robert, Julia, Abigail, Zoe and Asher. The Family wants to thank her caregivers Imari Thomas and Prince Ann Sullivan who cared for her in her final days.
Joy went to St. Catherine of Siena Grammar School and St Joseph’s Academy. She attended Tulane University and continued to take classes throughout her life. She believed in continuous education.  While her children attended St. Catherine, Joy was President of the Mother’s Club and worked very hard every year facilitating the St. Catherine Fair.
Joy loved sewing and working in her beautiful flower, herb and vegetable gardens. She loved to ride bikes, fish and hike but her greatest joy was spending time with her family but especially with her grandchildren. Joy lived up to her name and brought happiness wherever she went. She had a smile that would light up the room when she walked in.
Joy owned Something Special Boutique for many years on Metairie Road, where she created most of her own designs. She went on to open Omniform where she handled alterations for the flight attendants for the majority of the airlines operated out of the New Orleans Airport.
After retirement, Joy became a Eucharistic Minister at Lakeside Hospital and East Jefferson Hospital. She became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster children in New Orleans. She was honored by CASA and was a speaker and Honoree of the Women Who Care Association in 2004.  When Joy moved to Hendersonville, NC, she became a Eucharistic Minister at Park Ridge Hospital and also brought the Eucharist to hospice patients homes. She would also bring them freshly baked cookies and specialty breads that she had made. Often she would bring a scarf she had made as well. Joy became a prison minister for young women and brought the Word of God and the Eucharist to the young women there.
Joy was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Metairie, LA for almost 70 years and a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, NC for 8 years. Due to COVID-19, face masks are suggested and please maintain social distancing. The family will receive friends at JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Thursday June 18th , 2020 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitation at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005 on Friday June 19th , 2020 at 11:00 AM followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Carrollton Cemetery. Joy asked, “No one is to wear black to my funeral, but please only wear white or bright colors. This will be a happy celebration of my life and now eternal life with God.” Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com

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