Ethel "Sister" Latapie Thiel

Ethel “Sister” Latapie Thiel of Lacombe, LA passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 92. Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Malcom J. Thiel, Jr.; her parents, Ethel McCloskey and August E. Latapie; her siblings, August “Gussie” Latapie (Irma) and Ronald Latapie (Cynthia); her daughter, Ethel; and her son, Donald.

Ethel is survived by her three daughters, Karen Rabalais (Wallace), Cheryl Gautier Perry (Terry), and Darlene Benfatti (Jude); her two sons, Malcom “Bubba” Thiel (Pat) and Dudley Thiel (Teresa); her brother-in-law, Michael Thiel; and her grandchildren, Janell Kahl (Nat), Sean Rabalais, Steven Rabalais (Jen), Scott Rabalais, Stacey Rabalais, Christy Mumphrey (Brent), Ray Gautier, Jr., Joey Gautier (Danielle), Dudley Thiel (Katherine), Tara Pilet (Jeff), Emily Strickland (Christian), Amelia Jeanmarie (Brandon), and Andrew Benfatti (Tyler). She is also survived by 24 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Ethel was born in New Orleans on March 23, 1931. She was a parishioner of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Lacombe. Ethel was a secretary and co-owner of Latapie Plumbing and Heating, Inc., a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4547 Auxiliary, and a founding member of Good Timer’s East Carnival Club, where she designed and created Mardi Gras costumes, as well as being the family seamstress. In her younger years, Ethel loved bowling with her team at Orbit Bowling Lanes and playing golf with her friends at Eastover Country Club and Royal Golf Course. Ethel was a great cook and thoroughly enjoyed feeding everyone her signature dishes. Most of all, Ethel loved being a Mom, and a Maw-Maw to so many. She loved being surrounded by her family and spending time with them.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mom’s caretakers, Joyce, Trellis, Jean, and Sunday. Their love, care, and compassion for Mom has always been extremely appreciated. We would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Ricky and Lynn Suprean for the years they blessed Mom with their time, prayers, and bringing her Jesus. A thank you also to Heart of Hospice for their help and support during this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 61030 Brier Lake Dr. in Lacombe, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 11:45AM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:30AM. The interment will follow the Mass at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ethel's memory to St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 61030 Brier Lake Dr., Lacombe, LA 70445.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.