Jeannette Ada Christ Nodier

Jeannette Ada Christ “Dena” Nodier, 77, entered eternal life on April 9, 2016, at home surrounded by her family. The youngest of seven children, Dena was born in Mowata, La., on Nov. 17, 1938, and grew up in Lake Charles. She attended Lake Charles High School, where she was elected colonel of the esteemed all-girls marching squad, the Kilties. Dena attended McNeese State University on an academic scholarship and majored in art. While there, she served as chief justice of the student government Supreme Court, was homecoming queen and graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

After graduating, Dena married fellow student Ferdinand “Fred” Nodier of New Orleans.

The couple moved 15 times, following Fred’s work with South Central Bell. After each move, Dena used her decorative talents to turn their house into a beautiful, nurturing home for the couple and their four children. An accomplished artist, Dena’s portraits of her family and paintings of nature adorned each home.

Dena set an incredible example for her children of how to live a faith-filled life, and be a supportive spouse and loving mother. She was an avid reader and a crossword puzzle guru. She met countless famous people, attended Mass with the Pope, met presidents and saw Mother Teresa. Always fun to be around, Dena loved playing games and wasn’t above “shooting the moon” while playing hearts with her grandchildren. She planned dozens of family vacations and several overseas trips, not an easy feat in a pre-Google world. A gifted map reader, researcher and planner, she approached each new destination with a full knowledge of its history and attractions, often those off the beaten path.

Dena and Fred moved to Lake Charles in 2002. There, Dena was active in the Junior League of Lake Charles and the Planter’s League Garden Club, which nourished her love of gardening. She also volunteered for Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where she served as Eucharistic Minister.

Dena used her quiet strength to defeat cancer several times. She was known for her uncomplaining and optimistic nature and her ability to be a true lady in all circumstances. She willingly underwent numerous medical trials without knowing if they would help her, but assured that they would one day help others fight cancer. Even in her darkest days, she praised God for his many blessings to her and often declared herself “the luckiest girl in the world!”

Her bravery, optimism and will to fight will be remembered by all who knew her. Her stature was slight, but her faith in and love for God and family were enormous. In all, Dena was goodness personified. Her life story is one of thoughtfulness, excitement, love, grace, laughter, humor, compassion and faith.

She leaves behind Fred Nodier, her loving, devoted, faithful, patient husband. For 55 years, their relationship reflected love, mutual respect, complete devotion and enjoyment of life.

She was mother to her four children and their spouses, Michael and Connie Nodier, Jeannette and Ron Horan, Dianne and Curt Eysink, and Matthew and Alison Nodier. She was Grandmere to nine grandchildren, Robert and David Nodier, Luke and Zachary Horan, Samantha, Maxwell and Adelaide Eysink, and Jack and Anna Kathryn Nodier.

She also is survived by her siblings, Ruth Christ Sullivan, Ph.D., of Huntington, W. Va., C.J. Christ of Houma, Geri Christ Landry of Lake Charles, Frances Christ Buckingham of Pasadena, Calif., and Julie Christ Ieyoub Miller of Lake Charles.

Dena was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Ada Matt Christ, and a brother, Robert “Bobby” Christ.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Monsignor Harry Greig will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a scripture service at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday at the funeral home on Monday from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Memorial donations may be made to Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana, 3006 Common St., Lake Charles, LA 70601.