Rose Marie Burton Schram

Rose Marie Burton Schram, a resident of Lake Charles, passed away on Thursday, September 3 after a recent illness, with her family at her side. She was a loving, caring lady who led her family in faith. Rose was a wise teacher, leader and role model for her family and friends. Rose, or "ReRe" as she was called by those who knew her from her early days growing up in Cameron, was born on July 10, 1935. The home which she proudly proclaimed and loved was Cameron. As a child in a large Cameron family, the Murphy's, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins who interacted together constantly and who had a significant influence on her. When she entered high school, she began her career as a boarding student at St. Charles Academy. It was during these years and through the friendship and teaching of Sister Mary Estelle Foshee that she began to cultivate her strong Catholic faith into a lifetime of dedication to the Blessed Mother. This friendship proved to have tremendous depth and their close relationship continued for all of Sister Estelle's lifetime. Rose graduated from St. Charles Academy in 1953. Sister Estelle also provided encouragement for Rose and her husband, Gus, to pursue their courtship and to be married; she continued to be a source of spiritual support during the rest of Rose's life. Rose was, most importantly, a loving, nurturing and steadfast wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to each and every family member and friend in her life. She was always ready to be involved with the activities of her children and grandchildren, and she especially enjoyed hosting and participating in family meals and gatherings. From fishing trips at the camp in Toledo Bend to family trips to many foreign destinations to legendary Christmas and other holiday gatherings in her home, Rose has always been the leader in planning the next fun event which has created so many special memories and traditions for her family members. She truly loves each and every family member and friend, and they return their love to her. Rose endeavored to travel and learn about other cultures and many parts of the world. She and a close circle of friends and family journeyed to many foreign countries for sightseeing and education as well as many hunting and fishing trips. Her destinations included numerous Central, South American and Caribbean countries as well as those in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, the Far East and Polynesia as well as many locations within the United States. Rose was an exemplary and inspirational lady with an unusually deep faith in our Blessed Mother and her son, Jesus Christ. She participated in numerous religious pilgrimages to nearby as well as far-away locations, including Venezuela, Mexico, Vatican City, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Jordan River and other sites in the Holy Land. She also dedicated a number of travels to sites of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, including Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, and two trips to a favorite location, Medjugorje. Through most of her adult life, Rose was challenged by numerous life-threatening illnesses. Over a period of 45 years, she fought and survived five separate instances of cancer as well as a major stroke a few years ago. Following the stroke, she regained most of her abilities, but she also had several significant seizure incidents. Rose never let these illnesses overpower her. She always put her life in God's hands and accepted His will for her throughout all of these struggles. The family would like to thank the caregivers at home who contributed to Rose's good health and progress for these last few years. Those caregivers are Vicki Miller, Angie Primeaux, Charles Roberts, Max Shelvin, Silvana Gaspard, Olivia Frank, Laura White and Renee Williams. Also, the family expresses their gratitude for the special care provided for many years by Dr. Lynn Speight. Also, the family thanks Monsignor James Gaddy, who has been Rose's friend and spiritual confidant, as well as a family mentor for some 45 years, for his unwavering and steady support. Rose is survived by her loving husband of nearly 62 years, Gus. She is also survived by her five children and their spouses: Gus W. Schram III and Lisa, Karl J. Schram and Julie Babineaux, Sharon S. Sturlese and David, Mark F. Schram and Malinda, Eric P. Schram and Catherine. She leaves a legacy of love and family traditions to her thirteen wonderful grandchildren: Jessica Schram Barry and Tom, J. Everett Schram and Jessica; Tiffany Schram Taulbee and Chris, Garret M. Schram and Megan, Bailey J. Schram; J. Hunter Sturlese and Sarah, Adam B. Sturlese, Anna Sturlese Duhon and Dan; Amanda Schram Lagrange and Blake, Sarah Schram Edwards and Rhett; Taylor P. Schram, Kayla Marie Schram and Colin M. Schram. Rose has ten amazing great-grandchildren, who have always been sources of amazement for her, especially due to her great love for babies: Rose K. Barry, Thomas J.H. Barry, Jr., Josephine E. Schram; Cohen E. Taulbee, Carter L. Taulbee, Mae F. Taulbee; Major M. Schram, Garrison J. Schram; Harrison J. Sturlese, Reid M. Edwards. Also surviving her are her brother James K. Burton, Jr. and Judy as well as her beloved sister-in-law, Frances S. Wheeldon and Bob. Also, three nieces, Jana B. Elder, Joanie B. Andrew and Jim as well as Lori W. Nunez and Phillip. She was predeceased by her mother, Tavia M. Burton Guilbeaux, father, James K. Burton, Sr., stepfather, Rodney J. Guilbeaux, Sr. and stepmother, Katie F. Burton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM Monday, September 07, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Sunday will be from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Scripture service and rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation Monday will be from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Pallbearers for the service will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearer will be Charles Roberts. Memorial donations may be made to St. Louis High School Foundation, 1620 Bank St, Lake Charles LA, 70601 or www.slchs.org.