Melba Portinause

Melba Portinause, 82, of Lake Charles, La., went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 4, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Melba was born on March 23, 1935, in Lake Charles to Louis and Ocie Foreman Rousseau, Sr.

Melba, a lifetime resident of Lake Charles, graduated St. Charles Academy in 1954, and married the love of her life, Alexander (Al) Portinause. She worked at Gulf National Bank but discovered she loved to teach and soon found herself employed by St. Margaret’s Catholic Church. She then worked for more than 20 years and retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

Melba was an active member of her church and the community. She taught youth groups and CCD, was a member of the Catholic Daughters and the Lay Carmelites. She loved the Lord and shared him with everyone she knew. She taught CCD for over 50 years, sang at nursing homes, and brought the joy of the Lord where ever she went. She loved the community and supporting it in many ways, like coaching softball, as member of a Mardi Gras Krewe (Noblesse & Grand Bois), or as the queen of the Red Hatters.

She was a cheerleader for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She never missed a moment to support them and spread her love. She would travel to the ends of the earth for anyone in need, with a smile on her face and a dance on her feet. She brought the party to life no matter where she was. Melba lived knowing that the things that mattered the most were not held in our hands but in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers; Louis, Herman and R.J. Rousseau.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 63 years, Al Portinause and their children, Frank (Tanya) Portinause, Alexia (Steve) Louviere, Andrea Beaugh and Kara (Jody) Blessing. Those who will especially miss her are her thirteen grandchildren, Kacie (Garrett) Douglas, Haleigh (Jonathon) Harless, Austin Portinause, Dylan Champagne, Kali (Tyler) Comeaux, April (James) Marsters, Erica (James) Lee, Jessica (Hunter) Billiu, Laryn (Jerod) Abshire, Daryn Beaugh, Devyn Beaugh, Justin (Erin) Gary, and Taylor Gary. Those who will also cherish her memory are her eleven great-grandchildren, Benjamin Douglas, Jace Marsters, Aubrey Marsters, Jacob Lee, Ava Louviere, Brantley Billiu, Gavin Billiu, Mila Gary, Keslyn Abshire, Addilyn Abshire and Emersyn Abshire,

The family will host a celebration of Melba’s life at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 11, 2017 from 4PM-9PM. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30PM. The celebration will continue on Friday, January 12, 2017 from 10AM-1:30PM at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 2PM, officiated by Msgr. Jace Eskind followed by burial at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.