NATCHITOCHES – A Northwestern State University alumna established a scholarship in memory of her grandmother, also an NSU graduate, who was a teacher, wife, mother, granny and friend to all. Candace Lemoine, a 2000 graduate, created the Candace Lemoine Honorary Scholarship in Memory of Ruth Carmen Courtney McNabb that will be presented to an undergraduate majoring in art, musical studies or education. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to a student from Avoyelles Parish. Lemoine said the ideal recipient is an individual determined to attend college in pursuit of art, teaching and/or music.
“My grandmother and her siblings were incredibly musical and with that she was inspired to teach others,” Lemoine said.
McNabb was born in Plaquemine and raised in Mansura. While attending Northwestern, she was an honor student who played the violin and trombone in the orchestra and swing band during World War II. She graduated in 1946 and settled in Bunkie and taught business courses at Bayou Chicot High School for over 20 years. While teaching she was the yearbook editor and senior sponsor.
“She was respected and loved by her students, most of whom stayed close to her until her final days,” her obituary states. “Her insatiable curiosity, sincere interest to find the good in all people and keen intellect made her a great companion to all those fortunate enough to have met her during her long and productive life.” She passed away in June 2020 at age 93, remembered for her grace, wisdom and vivacious fun-loving nature.
Several of members of the Courtney family attended Northwestern, including McNabb’s twin sister Claire and an older sister, Mildred Courtney Benton, and brother Kirkland Courtney.
Lemoine earned a degree in Family and Consumers Sciences in 2000. She and her husband operate Lemoine Construction Company based in Lafayette and reside in New Orleans where they raised three children. Their oldest, Mylie Grace, is graduate of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and currently studying studio art at the College of Charleston, South Carolina. Son Matthew is a junior at Jesuit with plans to study engineering and third grader Liam is a student at Holy Name of Jesus. Lemoine enjoys tennis, painting and volunteering at church.
Friends who wish to contribute to the Candace Lemoine Honorary Scholarship in Memory of Ruth Carmen Courtney McNabb may do so by visiting https://northwesternstatealumni.com/lemoine-scholarship/.
More information on scholarships and opportunities to give to the NSU Foundation is available at www.northwesternstatealumni.com.