Helen C. Knowles

Helen Cecile Noel Knowles of Lake Charles, died Friday, November 5, 2010 after a brief illness. She was 90 years old.

Helen was born in Abbeville on April 23, 1920, to Elizabeth Bajat and Leopold Noel. She is the widow of former Senator Jesse Knowles, also of Lake Charles.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 7 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM, reopening at 8:00 AM on Monday in the funeral home. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 8 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Heaven. Burial will follow at St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery in Abbeville. Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her niece, Ada Noel Duhon, her husband Jude and family, of Abbeville; nieces, Catherine Noel Bass and family of Houston, Christine Noel Devenport and family of Abbeville; nephews, Ted Noel and family of Abbeville, Sammy Noel of Abbeville, Norris Broussard, Jr. and family, Ronald Wayne Broussard and family, Daniel Paul Broussard; niece, Sandra Broussard Rosales, all from Groves, TX; and younger brother, Theodule Noel of Abbeville.

Helen's life was a gift to all who knew her. She was blessed with an abundance of spiritual strength and great poise. Helen and Jesse shared a life dedicated to each other, their community, and their beloved country. She was a dedicated auxiliary member of the American Legion, VFW, and Lake Charles Garden Club. Her example of courage, faith and gracefulness will be her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of sixty-six years; her brother, Leopold Noel, Jr.; her sister, Florence Noel Broussard; her niece, Suzanne Noel; and nephew, Leopold III.