Ambert J. Angellete Jr.
August 21, 2009
Lorraine Plaisance Nation
August 25, 2009
Posted Monday, August 24, 2009
Ernestine Boudreaux Ellender, 92, a native of Terrebonne Parish, La., and a resident of Houma, La., died Monday, August 24.
She is survived by three sons, Dr. Stephen Ernest (S.E.) Ellender Jr. and wife Sandra Schmedtje of Houma, Van Felix Ellender of Houma, and Robert Anthony Ellender of Mesa, Ariz.; three daughters, Ernestine Springer and husband Lawrence of New Orleans, La., Jane Rabalais of Thibodaux, La., and Anne Phillips and husband Morris of New Orleans, 15 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. S. Ernest Ellender Sr.; parents, Van George Boudreaux and Agnes Guidry Boudreaux; one daughter, Stephanie Maud; one son-in-law, Dr. Philip D. Rabalais; three sisters, Claire Belanger, Gloria Haydel and Marie-Van Boudreaux; three brothers, F.E. Boudreaux, George Loyola Boudreaux and J. Emmett Boudreaux; and two granddaughters, Monique Katrine and Jeanne Nicole Rabalais.
She received her primary education in the Terrebonne Parish school system and obtained her teaching degree at Teacher’s College in Natchitoches. She then returned to Houma to teach. In 1936 she married Dr. S. Ernest Ellender Sr., co-founder of Ellender Memorial Hospital. She was a charter member of the Terrebonne Parish Medical Society Auxiliary, serving twice as president and in numerous other offices of the local organization as well as positions at the district and state level. Mrs. Ellender was a lifetime parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and was the recipient of two papal awards – the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medal, bestowed upon her by Pope Paul VI, and the title, “Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great”, conferred upon her by Pope John Paul II. She was devoted to her family and her community. In 1982 she was the first recipient of the Tri-Parish Volunteer Activists Award, and in 1990 was honored by Catholic Social Services for her work with the board since its formation. Terrebonne General Medical Center named her a Grand Dame de la Terrebonne. In 1998 she was awarded the Houma Courier’s Most Useful Citizen Award. She was a member of the Terrebonne Literary Club, the Terrebonne Garden Club, the Houma Community Concert Association, and served on the boards of Terrebonne Arts, Inc., and the Terrebonne Historical Society.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests Masses for the repose of her soul or contributions to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, 1220 Aycock Street, Houma, LA 70360, or St Francis de Sales Cathedral, 500 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Burial will be at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #2.
Chauvin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
