Mary Ellis Bertrand

Mary Nic (Nickie) Ellis Bertrand died at 90 years of age in the Hospice of Baton Rouge on Saturday the 23rd of June. A resident of Baton Rouge since the early 1941, her death resulted from the complications of a massive stroke. She was born on March 2, 1922 in Williamstown Kentucky of the union of Mary Bryan (Rich) Ellis and Doctor Nicholas Henry Ellis. She was the third of five children being preceded in death by all of the other siblings including two infant sons, Virginia Rich and Willie Eveyln Ellis. Nickie grew up in the small town of Williamstown Kentucky in a close knit community with many friends and relatives around her. She attended Williamstown High School for all of her primary and secondary education graduating in 1940. Upon graduation she entered the University of Kentucky where she met her husband to be Alvin Lee Bertrand and was married on August 29, 1941. After her children entered School she went on to finish her bachelors of Education at LSU in 1957. Mary Nic served in the primary School system of Baton Rouge for her entire career retiring in 1978 after teaching in Glasgow and Magnolia Woods elementary Schools. She was well respected by her colleagues, students and administrators many of whom she kept in touch with after her retirement. She loved her work and she loved travel with her husband. Mary Nic was a member of the DAR and the Grand Dames of the Magna Charta and was very active as a Charter Member of the University Baptist Church where she performed many functions. She was a devout follower of LSU football and Basketball. A lifelong dedication to things musical contributed to her enjoyment and contributions to church and community. A devoted mother and grandmother, she is survived by a son William Ellis Bertrand of New Orleans and a Daughter Mary Lynne Thames of Mandeville. There are 3 surviving and one deceased grand children. Stephanie Lynne Thames, Katherine Ellis Bertrand and Jacob William Bertrand. She also has one nephew Greg Boucher of Ohio and many beloved nephews and nieces in South Louisiana. Mary Nic was preceded in death by her sister Virgina Rich and her husband and companion Alvin L. Bertrand in 2006 and one grand child Jennifer Marie Thames in 2008. Services will be held at the University Baptist Church, 5775 Highland Road in Baton Rouge at 3:00 on Monday June 25th , 2012 with visitation from 1-3 pm before the services at the church. Burial will be at the McFatter Cemetary DeQuincy la. On Tuesday the 26th of June at 11 AM. The family is deeply appreciative of the staff and administrators of the Haven, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and the Hospice of Baton Rouge all of whom contributed to her peaceful passing and high quality of life in recent years. Contributions in lieu of flowers should be made to the University Baptist Church.