Clelie Ann Barras Judice Durand

Clelie Ann Barras Judice Durand died peacefully on Monday, July 18 in Lake Charles, La. at the age of 96 years.

Clelie participated fully in life and was happiest spending time with her family and creating beauty in her gardens. She was an astute traveler and popular local businesswoman; beginning her working career as a child in the bayou country weighing sugarcane and selling flying squirrels. After marrying, she raised a family, became a broker in real estate, owned and managed two restaurants, Judice's Grocery Store and Antic and Attic Antiques. Clelie's unwavering work ethic established her as a mentor to many.

Among her many assets, Clelie was an accomplished gardener and storyteller. Locals admired her large yard, stopping often to take photographs and listen to her colorful stories. Her love of nature was paramount throughout her life.

Born a Roman Catholic, she was devoted to God and spread her faith to others daily as service to her Savior. She leaves her family a legacy of accomplishment and high moral integrity. "The purpose of life is to make happy," she often told her grandchildren.

Clelie was a published writer, author of New OrleansThe Big Easy.' She was awarded The Golden Poets Award of 1991 by the International Poets Society for her poem, "Children on the Bayou Road."

Clelie will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter-in-law Anne Lowther Judice of Lake Charles; her sister Olympe Dauphine of Oberlin, LA; four grandchildren: Leslie Ackel of Covington, LA, Rhett J. Judice of Pasadena, CA, Greg V. Judice of Lake Charles and Suzanne Lueck. She is also survived by great grandchildren: Thad D. Ackel of Metairie, Olivia Ackel Benge and her husband Thomas Benge of Metairie, Camille Eve Judice of Louisville, KY, Brittany, Austin and Lili Gleitzman, Ethan and Annabel Altmark. Her beloved nieces Zella Abraham and Rita Miller of Lake Charles and Juanette Colby of Katy, TX and many other nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; Olympe and Claude Barras of Catahoula, husband of her children Edward J. Judice and F.L. Durand; her son, Richard E. Judice; her daughter Loraine Lueck; grandson, David E. Judice and three sisters: Ethel Barras (Clete), Nola Barras (Sena) and Yola Barras (Remy.)

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 1PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Cremation is entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.