Ernestine Ellender

Ernestine Boudreaux Ellender, 92, a native of Terrebonne Parish, LA and a resident of Houma, LA, died on Monday, August 24, 2009. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 from 9:00 until service time at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral with burial in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #2. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Stephen Ernest (S.E.) Ellender, Jr. and wife Sandra Schmedtje of Houma; Van Felix Ellender of Houma; Robert Anthony Ellender of Mesa, Arizona. daughters, Ernestine Springer and husband Lawrence of New Orleans, Jane Rabalais of Thibodaux, Anne Phillips and husband Morris of New Orleans, 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by, husband, Dr. S. Ernest Ellender, Sr.; parents, Van George Boudreaux, and Agnes Guidry Boudreaux; Daughter: Stephanie Maud Son-in-Law: Dr. Philip D. Rabalais Sisters, Claire Belanger, Gloria Haydel, and Marie-Van Boudreaux Brothers: F.E. Boudreaux, George Loyola Boudreaux, and J. Emmett Boudreaux Grandaughters: Monique Katrine and Jeanne Nicole Rabalais She received her education in the Terrebonne Parish school system, obtaining her Teacher's College in Natchitocheds, and then returned to Houma to teach. In 1936 she married Dr. S. Ernest Ellender, Sr., co-founder of Ellender Memorial Hospital. She was a charter member of the Terrebonne Parish Medical Society Auxiliary, serving twice as president and in numerous other offices of the local organization as well as positions at the district and state level. Mrs. Ellender was a lifetime parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and was the recipient of two papal awards - the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" medal, bestowed upon her by Pope Paul VI, and the title, "Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great", conferred upon her by Pope John Paul II. She was devoted to her family and her community. In 1982 she was the first recipient of the Tri-Parish Volunteer Activists Award, and in 1990 was honored by Catholic Social Services for her work with the board since its formation. Terrebonne General Medical Center named her a Grand Dame de la Terrebonne. In 1998 she was awarded the Courier's Most Useful Citizen Award She was a member of the Terrebonne Literary Club, the Terrebonne Garden Club, the Houma Community Concert Association, and served on the boards of Terrebonne Arts, Inc., and the Terrebonne Historical Society. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Masses for the repose of her soul or contributions to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, 1220 Aycock Street, Houma, LA 70360, or St Francis de Sales Cathedral, 500 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360. She is Catholic and a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral . .