Vera Smith Ellender

Vera Smith Ellender, 91, of Lake Charles passed away at 12:15 PM, Thursday, May 30, 2013 in her residence.

She was born in Eunice, LA on August 28, 1921 and graduated from St. Edmunds High School in 1939. She married Joe Ellender on March 1, 1940. After residing in New Orleans for nearly a decade, Mr. and Mrs. Ellender Made their way back to Eunice where they lived briefly before settling in Lake Charles. Mrs. Ellender was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, and a member of the ATT Pioneer Club.

She will be remembered by her family as a wonderful, loving mother, an adoring grandmother, and also an exceptional caring great grandmother. She will be remembered by all that knew her as an exceptionally and generous lady whose sunny disposition and positive attitude enabled her always to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Those left to forever cherish her memory are her son, Al Ellender and wife Betty, two grandchildren, Paige Ward and Chad Ellender; five great grandchildren, Camille, Emma, Madeline, Oliva, and William Ward. Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy years, Joe, her parents, John P. and Alida (Manuel) Smith; four brothers, Harrison, Choc, Pierre, and Francis, and two sisters, Agnes and Mary.

Her funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Sunday, June 2, 2013 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Burial will be Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service, Sunday, in the funeral home.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Peter Karam for his kindness and care.