Emelda Olivier Haydel

Emelda Olivier Haydel, 81, a native of Bourg and a lifelong resident of Chalmette until displaced by Hurricane Katrina after which she relocated to Houma, died after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, at 2 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, surrounded by her loving family who cared for her during her illness. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to funeral time Monday at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bourg. Mass will be at noon Monday at the church, with burial in the church cemetery. She is survived by her beloved sisters, Mrs. Norman (Laudist) Sass Sr., Mrs. Harold (Gloria) Cooper, Mrs. Andrew (Ursula) Gilchrist (her faithful caregiver) of Chalmette, Mrs. Walter (Loris) Dupre Sr., Mrs. Mark (Bobbie) Steib and Mrs. Mack (Vivian) Rodrigue Sr. of Houma; one brother, Berwick "Sam" Olivier Jr. and wife, Regina, of Bourg; her stepdaughter, Susan Haydel Moustier; her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jules (Inez) Hymel of Kenner and Mrs. Victor (Irene) Poe of Florida; and was much loved by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin G. Haydel; her parents, Berwick J. and Theresa Detiveaux Olivier Sr.; and one brother, Davis Anthony Olivier. She was a civil-service employee of the U.S. government working in Fort Worth, Texas, Washington D.C. and Asheville, N.C. She was a welder during World War II at Higgins Shipyard. She retired at the U.S. Port of Embarkation in New Orleans after many years of service and was a past employee of The Houma Daily Courier. She will be sadly missed, but joyously remembered by all who knew and loved her. Memorial donations can be made to Bayou Region Hospice, 195 Corporate Drive, Houma, LA 70360.