Theresa Emily Lemelle

Theresa was born on December 30, 1931 to Camille and Veronica Stelly. Theresa was the eighth of ten children. She graduated from Plaisance High School in May 1951.

She married Clayton Lemelle at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Plaisance, Louisiana on January 18, 1958. That same year, the adventurous couple moved to Los Angeles, CA where Clayton worked for the City of Los Angeles and Theresa had the hard but rewarding job of raising their three children.

She dedicated her remaining time to volunteering at their schools and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver. For a few terms, she served as the Grand Lady of Sacred Heart of Jesus Court #121 in Los Angeles. She was also a 4th Degree member of Ellen Marie Jackson Ladies of Grace Chapter 13. In 2005, Theresa received the St. Peter Claver Silver Medal of Merit for her dedication to the organization. She remained a faithful member of the Ladies Auxiliary for more than 40 years.

In 1971, the Lemelles permanently moved to West Covina and they joined St. Christopher Church. Theresa served as a Eucharistic Minister, a Bereavement Minister, and was an active member of the St. Christopher Legion of Mary. Her late mother and late sister Gertrude were also members of the Ladies Auxiliary and Legion of Mary in Louisiana.

Theresa was a beautiful soul - patient and kind. She was a “mother” to many of her children’s friends. The Lemelle home was always a place to gather and enjoy great Creole cooking. While she bravely fought leukemia for more than 25 years, she continued to take care of her loving husband, children, and grandchildren. Theresa visited convalescent homes, hospitals, and private residences to provide communion services and to pray the rosary with the residents and patients.

Theresa is survived by her husband Clayton of 58 years; three adult children: Marie, Thaddeus Sr. (Francine), and Sheila Love; seven grandchildren: Sabrina (D’ante) Lock, Thaddeus Lemelle II, Claudia Lemelle, Christian Love, Brittney (Jeremy) Cavaco, Michael Love, and Mikhaila Love; four great grandchildren; three siblings: Eugene, Veronica, and Mark, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Camille and Veronica; three brothers: Joseph, Phillip, and Aaron; and three sisters: Victoria, Annabelle, and Gertrude.

Theresa will be entombed at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum Rowland Heights Ca. on February 20, 2016. The viewing will take place at 12:00 p.m. and the funeral mass will take place at 1:00 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Church, 629 S. Glendora Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate Theresa’s life.

To share your memories about Theresa, go to www.dignitymemorial.com and click on obituary.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate. Please select "personalize donation" and choose in memory of Theresa Lemelle.