Obits for September 17, 2008

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Vicknair

Gene Joseph “Bullet” Vicknair passed away on Friday, August 29, 2008. Age 62.

Beloved husband of Marlene Babin Vicknair. Father of Troy A. Vicknair and wife Renee and Tanya V. Andrepont and husband Alan, grandfather of Brook and Brandon Vicknair and Jason and Blair Andrepont, son of Ernest and Congetta Vickair, deceased employee of Shell Oil Co. in Norco for 34 years. Raised in Norco and a resident of LaPlace for 34 years.

Gene was the first veteran to enter the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve on June 11, 2007.

Donatons are accepted at the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater N.O. Region, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121.

Digirolamo

Nicholas Digirolamo, age 83, died on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at Ochsner Regional Hospital in Kenner. A native of Norco, he was owned Ben Franklin Store in Norco and taught physical education with St. Charles Parish Public Schools. A Veteran of U. S. Marine Recon Unit in World War II.

Survivors include wife, Myrt Digirolamo of Norco; three daughters: Donna Givens and her husband, Ellery of Franklinton; Deena Rigby and her husband, Glen of League City, Texas; Darla LeBlanc and her husband, Michael of Hahnville; brother, Sal Digirolamo and his wife, Deanie of Norco; sisters: Santa Trosclair and her husband, Pete; Grace Giroir and her husband, Kirby; Josie Mire, Rose Songy and her husband, Gerald all of Norco; grandchildren: Gabby Givens; Anna, Ben and Olivia Rigby; Morgan and Mason LeBlanc.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Ciravolo Digirolamo; sister, Marie Robert and her husband, Harold; brother-in-law, Paul Mire.

When he was released from the Marines he went to Hinds Junior College on a football scholarship; also went to Tulane University on a football scholarship and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education; Worked for Shell Oil; Opened the Ben Franklin and was the owner for 14 years before retiring as a Physical Education Teacher. He was inducted into the Hinds Junior College Hall of Fame and avid supporter of Tulane Athletics. A member of Norco Civic Association, Knights of Columbus, Former First Vice President of the Norco Lions Club, American Legion Post in Norco and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Eight years as Commissioner, Ponchartrain Levee Board.

Services were held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norco on Tuesday, September 16.

Howard

Anna Lee Jones Howard was called to her eternal home on September 11, 2008, after a courageous battle to overcome the effects of a massive stroke. She was born in Montz on July 25, 1928 to Jesse Eual Jones and Anna Duhon Jones. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Church as well as a teacher at St. Joan of Arc School for 40 years. She was loved by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. Her talents were as limitless as her love of life and family. One of her greatest pleasures was quilting heirlooms for her grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress and took great pride in sewing special occasion dresses and gowns for her granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James E. Howard, her eldest son John E. Howard and a sister Mary Alice Guidry.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Zeringue and husband Leon, sons James (Buzz) Howard and wife Carolyn, David Howard and wife Marsha, and Mark Howard, grandchildren Jason Zeringue and wife Erin, Jonathan Zeringue and wife Laurie, Alison Howard and husband Mike, Christopher, Amanda, Courtney, Abby, Katie, John and Brittany Howard, great-grandchildren Alyssa Frederick, Coleman and Camille Zeringue, sisters Enid Duhe and Jewel Breaux and husband Claud and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitaton andservices were at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace on Monday, September 15. Burial in St. Peter Cemetery in Reserve.

Roussel

Ellis Joseph Roussel Sr., the first born to the late Roger and Effie Roussel, died September 12, 2008, at 10:37 p.m. He came into this world July 5, 1929. He was 79 years old. A native of Belmont and a resident of Lutcher for 48 years.

Visitation and services were held on Monday at St. Joseph Church, September 15. Interment at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Paulina.

He served the St. James Parish School System in many ways; as a teacher, coach, principal, supervisor and superintendent. In 1988, he retired as Superintendent of St. James Parish Schools and then served as the principal of the St. James Parish Detention Center where he retired in 2000.

He is survived by his living spouse of 57 years, Camille DeRoche Roussel, sons and daughters-in-law, Ellis Jr. and Barbara Roussel of Mandeville, Eric and Tara Roussel of Gonzales, Eddie Roussel of Lutchel, and daughters and sons-in-law, Effie and Jason Waguespack of Lutcher, Ella Jane and Joe Picciola of Destrehan, and Erin and Joel Folse of Chackbay. Twelve grandchildren; Amy Zeringue, wife of Ralph Zeringue, Randy Waguespack, husband of Stacy Waguespack, Ricky Waguespack, Jake, Ben, Simon and Ori’ Roussel; Marco, Emily and Elizabeth Picciola; Cameron and Hannah Folse; and one great grandchild, Grace Camille Zeringue; sisters Lois Ann Poche and Hester Brignac; brothers Sheldon, Roger II and David Roussel. Preceded in death by brother, Ronald Roussel and sister, Eileen ‘Lane’ LeBlanc.

St. Pierre

Elise G. St. Pierre, died on Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 11:30 p.m. at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson, La. Age 92.

Visitation and services were held on Wednesday, September 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gramercy. Interment in St. Joseph Mausoleum in Paulina.

She was the wife of Elzey J. St. Pierre; the mother of Dr. Jerry J. St. Pierre and mother-in-law of Denise G. St. Pierre of New Orleans. The Grandmother of Jerry J. St. Pierre, Jr. and wife, Sandi D. St. Pierre of Arlington, Texas; Nicolle S. Hoy and Husband Timothy B. Hoy of Hoover, Ala.; Monique S. McConnell and husband, Kevin G. McConnell of Fort Worth, Texas; Stephen P. St. Pierre and wife, Whitney H. St. Pierre of Chicago, Ill. Sister of Mrs. Doris G. Vicknair of Gramercy. Brother-in-laws; Allen J. St. Pierre and Wallace J. Pierre. Great Grandmother of Colin T. Hoy, Charles T. Hoy, Marie D. St. Pierre, Alexandra D. St. Pierre, Thomas J. St. Pierre, William G. McConnell and Chloe C. McConnell.

A member of the St. Joseph Altar Society and Catholic Daughters. Preceded in death by sisters, Beulah Hanle and Bertha Vicknair; brothers, Numa Guidry and Eugene Guidry.