Melda Claire Sinitiere

Melda Claire LeBlanc Sinitiere, 86, died comfortably and peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at her daughter's home after a steady decline in health due to dementia. Born in Lake Charles on March 6, 1927, the youngest of three children, she was preceded in death by her parents, Felix J. and Lola Marie LeBlanc; and her brother, Herbert LeBlanc and wife Doris, sister, Joyce Gilmore and husband Ron. She graduated from St. Charles Academy in 1944 and while working as a secretary met a handsome young man named Gerald F. Sinitiere Sr. (D.D.) who in 1947 made her his bride and who also preceded her in death. They had three children: Jean Sinitiere Evans (Jim) of Lake Charles, Gerald (Jerry) Sinitiere Jr. (MaryNelle) of Spring, Texas and Julie Sinitiere Wilson of Katy, Texas. In addition to her children she is survived by her grandchildren, Laurie Burk (Ben) of Aviano, Italy, Jase Sinitiere of Savannah, Georgia, Kalyn Sinitiere of Houston, Texas, Garrett Duke of Houston, Texas and Bianca Wilson of Katy, Texas. She is also survived by seven nieces, two nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Melda was a loyal and faithful parishioner of St. Margaret Catholic Church, having served as a Eucharistic Minister and who along with a committee of women used her unique artistic talent to adorn the Church for every special occasion. While volunteering at St. Patrick Hospital as a pink lady, she made many of the lovely floral designs displayed in the gift shop. She was known throughout the hospital not only for her creations but also for her beautiful smile and happy disposition as she either delivered mail or distributed communion to the patients. For a brief period of time she worked as a floral designer at Daisy a Day Florist and as the purchasing agent for the City of Lake Charles. She had a perfect alto voice and sang for more than ten years in the Messiah Chorus at McNeese State University. She always attended all McNeese activities that her husband, Gerald was passionate about while he served as Alumni President and even as they grew older she along with Gerald attended many athletic activities always cheering on the Cowboys. Throughout her children's school days she was completely immersed in their activities, whether it be as a Blue Bird Leader or a Cub Scout leader. She made costumes for operettas, prom dresses, and homecoming dresses to make sure they were one-of- a kind. She could be counted on to be the Mom who tirelessly volunteered for room mother and fundraiser chairman, driver to any event, cheerleader for all, while being the fun loving parent whom everyone enjoyed spending time with during their youth. She was feisty, energetic and at times very outspoken. But above all she was a true southern lady who always crossed her legs and said "Why thank you, dear". She loved life, anything chocolate and vanilla ice cream with syrup on top. She was passionate about her yard, caring for flowers as if she knew each one personally. It was a creation that everyone admired and provided her absolute joy and pleasure. While living in a local assisted living facility her graciousness could be seen all throughout the building as she smiled and welcomed any one who entered. She was the first one to arrive at the dances and the last one to leave as the band admired her ability to glide around the dance floor with her favorite partner. Everyone waited at dinnertime for "Mrs. Mary" and her to entertain the room by singing old tunes they actually remembered. She had many dear friends from her younger days, who laughed together cried together and saw their journey of life end together. Her legacy will be that she was the devoted wife, consummate mom and type of grandmother any child would envy. Her family would like to thank all the caregivers who gave her wings when she forgot how to fly. Dana Daigle, Desiree Hebert, Destiney Saxby, Brenda Vidrine, and Jeanette Poole. Also, George Cestia and staff of Home Instead. Thanks as well to Amelia Buller, the angel who served her weekly communion and to Mrs. Effie Fontenot, her constant companion at Kingsley who kept Melda uplifted with her smiles and prayers. The family also thanks Harbor Hospice for the wonderful care given to their mother especially Willie Bellard, Angela Meche, Debra Ledet and Marci St. Mary. Nurse Gene Poe will always be remembered for the constant cheerfulness he displayed while showing compassion, love and devotion to our Mother. We will be forever grateful to him. Thanks also to Mona Broussard and Jeremy Fontenot of Kingsley Assisted Living. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2014 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. Co-celebrants will be Pastor Reverend William Miller, Monsignor Reverend Harry Grieg and Monsignor Reverend Jace Eskind. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved D.D. at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles. Pallbearers will be Herb LeBlanc, Lynn LeBlanc (nephews), Garrett Duke (grandson), Michael Liles (great-nephew), Terry Rogers (nephew-in-law) and Kevin Duke. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception immediately following the funeral and burial at the home of Jim and Jean Evans. Donations in memory of Melda can be made to St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church or School, 2500 Enterprise Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or to Abraham's Tent 2300 Fruge Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.