Caroline "Kari" Matijasich Bienvenu
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Caroline "Kari" Matijasich Bienvenu

  • February 3, 1941 - August 11, 2012
  • Covington, Louisiana
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Memories & Candles

“Wayne, I was so sorry to hear about Caroline. She was always so nice and professional in our real estate transactions. I will keep you and your...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Michael E. Winters - New Orleans, LA

“Wayne, It was with great sadness that late last night we learned of Caroline's passing. So many years ago, you and she received us into your home...Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: Robert and Augusta Elmwood - LA

“Dear Wayne and Michelle, Although I am unable to attend Kari's memorial service today, I want to let you both know that my thoughts and love are with...Read More » ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: Laurie A. Bowen - Shillington, PA

“Wayne, Loretta & I regret that we will not be able to be with you and attend tomorrows service - A Celebration of Caroline's life. However, we will...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Alex & Loretta Theriot Jr - NC

“Wayne, Your "Angel" is at peace. Your "Angel" loves you so much. Caroline was such a special person. She was so brave, fought the good fight. She...Read More » ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Linda & Earl Falgoust - LA

“We are so sorry for your loss Wayne and Michelle. We always looked forward to our high school reunions and I know Kari enjoyed them also. We are...Read More » ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Tom and Ann Twardowski - PA

“Fifty years of friendship, memories of our youth, coming to New York to live with our new stewardess friends, learning to do the twist at the...Read More » ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Mary & Dick Auletta - New York, NY

“Wayne, we were so sorry to hear about Caroline's death. She certainly fought a brave fight. Know you at least are comforted that's she is finally...Read More » ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Dick Gannon - New Orleans, LA

“Will miss you dearly,Mrs.Kari.Always had a smile and a funny joke or tale to share.You inspired me,and still do,in more ways than you will ever know...Read More » ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: Andrew F. Clackum - Lake Charles, LA

“wayne & michelle may it comfort yoy to know how many caring thoughts are with you at this sad time may caroline rest in peace bob & peggy tonti ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: margaret tonti - covington, LA

“Wayne, words just can't express our sympathy we feel right now with the loss of your beautiful Kari. She fought a brave battle...may she rest in...Read More » ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Ferdie & Mary Jane(Shorty) Hebert - LA

“Caroline, may you rest in eternal peace. ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Albert Hough - Youngsville, LA

“Met her once, a caring and a loving woman. In a special place. ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Jim Albright - Kintnersville, PA


Caroline took a nonstop to her eternal reward on August 11th, after a valiant five year battle with ovarian cancer, myelodysplatic syndrome (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rita Schindlbeck Matijasich; her father, Martin Matijasich; and her brother, Anthony "Babe" Matijasich. She is survived by her husband, Wayne; her daughter Michelle and son-in-law Blake Pattridge; her brother Martin Matijasich and sister-in-law Joann; former sister-in-law, Jolyn Rissmiller; sister-in-law Carolyn Signorelli; and 4 nieces and a nephew.
Caroline was born in 1941 in Reading, PA. She graduated from Central Catholic High in 1958. She worked in real estate until 1961, when she joined American Airlines. She flew as a stewardess for six years, until she met her life partner, dearest friend, lover, and devoted husband Wayne on a nonstop between New York and Los Angeles on April 17, 1967. After a whirlwind romance across the country, they married and were soon blessed by Michelle's arrival in 1968. Later, Caroline returned to real estate sales in New Orleans and Covington, LA for another thirty-five years.
Caroline was a self-taught and talented artist who loved to paint and sculpt. She cherished her weekly group painting sessions. She actively used her art to support local philanthropic activities. Caroline was an avid tennis player with a commitment to singles play, and had a wicked cross court kill shot. She enjoyed immensely her "Aces and Spaces" party bridge friends for more than forty years, and looked forward to her weekly duplicate bridge games. She loved dancing with Wayne at "TNT" functions.
Caroline was known for her lightning fast wit and irreverent humor, and she thoroughly enjoyed a heart-felt laugh. She enjoyed being with people and was happiest when surrounded by good friends; she treasured special moments with high school and stewardess classmates, and with gatherings of Wayne's fraternity brothers and wives.
Caroline was most at peace when tending to her plants, especially her camellias, gardenias, and those challenging orchids.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that friends consider donating blood in her memory to the local blood bank, or making a gift in her name to the Thomas/McMahan Cancer Foundation, 1120 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458.
A celebration of Caroline's life will be held at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Madisonville, LA on Friday, September 7, 2012. Visitation will commence at 9:30 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM.
LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME is coordinating arrangements.