When you hear the name Trudeau, your brain probably skips straight to Canadian politics. It’s a reflex. But for those deep in the history of New Orleans or the inner circles of the NFL, the name Grace Marie Trudeau Benson hits different. She wasn't a politician. She wasn't a world leader. Honestly, she was the quiet force behind one of the most powerful sports dynasties in the American South.
Most people know Gayle Benson, the current owner of the New Orleans Saints. She's everywhere. But before the lawsuits, before the Super Bowl win in 2010, and before the public family feuds that gripped Louisiana, there was Grace. She was Tom Benson’s second wife, and her influence on the billionaire’s life—and his business—is a piece of history that usually gets buried in the fine print.
The Woman Behind the "Benson Empire"
Grace Marie Trudeau was a native of New Orleans. She wasn't just some socialite who married into money; she was deeply rooted in the culture of the city long before she met Tom. Born on March 1, 1927, she grew up in a time when New Orleans was a very different place, attending Gentilly Terrace School and St. Joseph's Academy.
She and Tom married in 1982. This was a pivotal moment. If you look at the timeline, Tom Benson bought the Saints in 1985. That means Grace was right there at the kitchen table when the deal went down. You’ve gotta wonder what those conversations were like. Imagine sitting there while your husband decides to pivot from car dealerships to owning a professional football team in a city that, at the time, was struggling to find its footing.
She wasn't just a bystander, either. Grace was a power player in her own right when it came to the community. She sat on the board of the Benson Community Fund. She was the one coordinating with employees across twenty-three different car dealerships and banks. She basically kept the engine running while Tom was the face of the operation.
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Why People Mix Her Up with the Canadians
Okay, let’s clear this up once and for all. Is she related to Justin Trudeau?
No.
It’s a common misconception because the name "Trudeau" is so synonymous with the Canadian Prime Minister’s family. In Louisiana, however, Trudeau is a classic French-Acadian name. There are thousands of them. Grace’s lineage was New Orleans through and through. While the Canadian Trudeaus were dealing with the Cold War and national unity, Grace Marie Trudeau Benson was busy spearheading telethons for children's hospitals in San Antonio and New Orleans.
The Parkinson’s Battle and a Quiet Exit
Life wasn't all Mardi Gras balls and NFL drafts. Grace's later years were defined by a grueling battle with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a cruel illness. It takes away the very things that made someone like Grace so effective—her mobility, her voice, her ability to be "the glue" of the family.
She passed away on November 18, 2003, at the age of 76. Her death marked the end of an era for the Benson family.
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Interestingly, her passing triggered a massive shift in the Benson family dynamic. Less than a year after she died, Tom met Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird at a mass at St. Louis Cathedral. They married in 2004. This quick transition eventually led to one of the most publicized legal battles in sports history, where Tom’s children and grandchildren (from his first marriage to Shirley Landau) fought for control of the Saints and Pelicans.
What Really Happened with the Family Feud?
You can’t talk about Grace Marie Trudeau Benson without acknowledging the aftermath. Many long-time New Orleans residents believe that if Grace had still been around, the "Benson Civil War" might never have happened.
Grace was known as a peacemaker. She was the one who managed the "Benson Community Fund" and kept the peace between the various business arms. When she died, the buffer was gone. The family eventually split into two camps: those loyal to Tom’s daughter Renee and her children, and those who stood by Gayle.
It got messy. Really messy. There were lawsuits over Tom's mental competency and who would inherit the billion-dollar franchises. Ultimately, the courts sided with Tom (and by extension, Gayle), but the shadow of Grace’s absence loomed large over the whole thing.
Grace’s Real Legacy: Beyond the Saints
If you visit New Orleans today, you’ll see her name on more than just old news clippings.
- The LSU Eye Center: She was the founding chairwoman of the Visionary Gala.
- American Heart Association: She was a top-tier supporter for decades.
- Medical Leadership: She served on the board of the LSU Medical Center.
She lived a life that was about "friendliness, helpfulness, and caring"—which sounds like a cliché until you realize how much work she actually did. She didn't just write checks; she organized the telethons. She was the boots on the ground.
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Identifying the Impact of Grace Marie Trudeau Benson
To truly understand why Grace matters today, you have to look at the "Benson Way." The philanthropy that the Saints organization is known for today? Much of that blueprint was drafted by Grace in the 80s and 90s.
She helped bridge the gap between San Antonio and New Orleans, two cities that the Bensons basically owned a large chunk of. Whether it was banking, cars, or sports, she ensured that the family name stood for more than just a profit margin.
Moving Forward: What You Should Know
If you're researching the history of the New Orleans Saints or the Benson family, don't just stop at the current headlines.
- Look into the Benson Community Fund records: You’ll see the fingerprints of Grace’s management style—personable and community-focused.
- Separate the names: Remember that the Louisiana Trudeaus have their own rich, distinct history separate from Ottawa.
- Acknowledge the transition: Understanding Grace's death in 2003 is key to understanding why the Saints' ownership looks the way it does in 2026.
Grace Marie Trudeau Benson might not have a statue outside the Superdome, but her influence is baked into the very foundation of the team's culture. She was the steady hand during the years when the Saints were moving from being a "lovable loser" team to a serious contender.
Actionable Next Steps
To get a deeper sense of this era in NFL and Louisiana history, you should look into the archives of the Times-Picayune from the late 90s. Specifically, search for her work with the LSU Eye Center. It gives a much clearer picture of her as a leader than any sports blog ever will. You might also want to research the "Benson Family Interdiction" case files if you're interested in how her absence changed the legal landscape of the family's assets.