Tina Mericle Spell

Tina Marie Mericle Spell died Saturday, December 10th, 2011, after being overwhelmed by the cruel heartless, insidious disease of pancreatic cancer.

She died just as determined as when she was born to Angie Niel and the late William Simon Mericle, Jr., on February 15th, 1957 in Lake Charles, LA. Tina graduated from Lake Charles High School and ultimately from McNeese State University after ten years of night classes, while raising a family, working full time, and overcoming breast cancer. She inherited her dogged determination from her mom and her well-developed work ethic from her dad.

Tina was married to James "Tony" Spell and was the mother of three

sons: Tony Benoit and wife Desiree of New Orleans; Jonathan Benoit; and Daniel Spell; and the grandmother of Bentley Niel Benoit and Luca Anthony Benoit.

Born the fourth of nine children, Tina assumed the silent role of family caretaker of the lost souls. She was a gentle woman, humble in nature, private by design, and firm in her beliefs. She never boasted of her own possessions or achievements, although she was intensely proud of her sons, and their accomplishments. Her friendship was for life and never based on wealth or power. She was always sensitive to the feelings of others rather than her own. Tina was a devout and faithful Catholic who loved her life without regret or sorrow.

She will always be remembered for her refined "sale" shopping skills

and her innate ability to cajole her husband into accompanying her.

Tina worked in the petrochemical industry in budget analysis and management. Her last position was at Trunkline LNG where she thoroughly enjoyed her colleagues and work.

Tina is survived by siblings Mike Mericle and wife Sandy of Durango, CO; Charlotte Maxcy and husband Bill; Kathy Tawes and husband Greg of Panama City Beach, FL; BB Mericle; Bruce Mericle; Connie Schnepf of Waterloo, IL; Robert Mericle and John Martin of Pembroke Pines, FL; and Paul Mericle of Houston, TX..

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved and adored and who cherished their Aunt Tina.

Her funeral will be at 1 P.M., Wednesday, December 14, at St. Margaret

Catholic Church. The Reverend William M. Miller will officiate.

Interment will be a private ceremony on Thursday, December 15, at Orange Grove Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 13, from 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. with a rosary and scripture service being held at 6:30 P.M. Visitation will continue in the funeral home on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM.

If she could, Tina would truly thank those who lent silent support and those who remained her friends.