Zelia "Zell" Marie Buras Papin

Zelia (Zell) Marie Buras Papin died quietly at home after a lengthy decline due to Alzheimer's disease. She was 92. Born in Arabi, La. to Houston and Elsie Buras, Zell grew up in Plaquemine, La, and was a graduate of Plaquemine High School.

Zell married Francis M. Papin, Sr in 1957. They lived in New Orleans and the New Orleans area (Metairie) for the first seven years of their marriage before moving to Houston, Tx. Zell and Francis reared their five children in Houston before retiring to Metairie in 1994. Zell returned to Houston to live in her eldest daughter's care in 2020.

Zell was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Elsie Buras Otnott. She is survived by her husband of 67 years; by their children, Francis (Mary) Papin Jr, Marie (Bruce) Wilson, Dianne (Charles) Cotton, Sue Papin Sears, and Robert (Claire) Papin; by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and by her brother, Emile (Bea) Buras of Luling, La and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Zell was a faithful Catholic, participating in the sacramental life of the church in the parishes where she lived. She will be remembered for her kindness toward those in need. Zell was skilled in the crafts of knitting and crochet. Family was very important to her. She especially enjoyed family gatherings during holidays and special occasions.

Visitation and rosary will be held Friday, April 4 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Boulevard in Metairie, La, at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service and burial at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans.