Evelyn Marie Schopen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Evelyn Marie Guillory Schopen, on January 27, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born March 18, 1937, to Floureman “Jack” and Ruby DeRouen Guillory in the country 4 miles South of Welsh, Louisiana. Evelyn was the only girl among her brothers and was lovingly known by her family as "Sis."

Evelyn was a proud 1955 graduate of Lake Charles High School and for many years attended her graduating class's monthly luncheons.

In 1955, Evelyn met and married Donald A. Schopen, a handsome Air Force Serviceman. Over their 43 years of marriage, they built a beautiful life and raised five adoring children.

Evelyn was a devoted mother who instilled a love of Christ in her children, imparting her morals, affection, and strong work ethic to each of them.

Throughout her lifetime, Evelyn excelled in all her endeavors, particularly in her most cherished role as a mother. She was an excellent seamstress, cake decorator, flower arranger and handy woman around the house. Her diverse career spanned working as a real estate agent, serving in the parish library, and eventually retiring from Northrop Grumman.

Evelyn took immense delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each of her children and grandchildren was baptized in the beautiful gown she lovingly sewed for her firstborn child. She always embraced her grands with love and showered them with affection.

One of her most beautiful attributes was the warmth with which she welcomed everyone into her home. She truly embodied the heart of Southern hospitality.

Evelyn was a devoted woman of faith who was a parishioner of St. Margaret Catholic Church for over forty years before becoming a faithful member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.

Evelyn is survived by her five devoted children: Catherine Rodriguez (Chele) of River Ridge, LA; Janet Howell (David) of Kansas City, MO; Susan Trahan (the late Quentin) of Moss Bluff, LA; Kenneth Schopen (Chris) of Phoenix, AZ; and Donna Bertrand (Nathan) of Lake Charles, LA. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Alexandra Trahan of Lake Charles, LA; Victoria Avery (Mark) of Moss Bluff, LA; William Buhrman of Lake Charles, LA; David Bertrand (Macy) of Lake Charles; Catherine Maria Rodriguez of Brooklyn, NY; and Elizabeth Rodriguez of River Ridge, LA; along with her four precious great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers, Wilton Guillory (the late Louise) of New Iberia, LA, and Dean Guillory (Phoebe) of Lake Charles, LA; sister-in-laws Vena Guillory of Moss Bluff, LA and Jeanne Guillory of Texas. She was also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Donald A. Schopen; her dear brothers, Charles Guillory, Huland Guillory, Robert Guillory and baby Floureman Guillory, Jr; her precious sisters-in-law, Louise Guillory and Juanita Guillory; her loved son-in-law, Quentin C. Trahan; and her faithful companion, her dog Apricot.

Evelyn was a cherished presence in the lives of her children and the beloved matriarch of her family. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, with Msgr. Jace Eskind serving as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home, 4321 Lake Street on Monday, February 2, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM until leaving in procession to the church.

Pallbearers will be, Mark Avery, Paxton Avery, Kenneth Schopen, David Howell, Nathan Bertrand, Chele Rodriguez, Charles Guillory, Jr., and Landon Avery, and Asher Bertrand.

Memorial donations may be made to The Donald A. Schopen Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund at McNeese State University at www.mcneesefoundation.org.