Irvena May Simank

Irvena “May” Simank, native of Dover, Delaware and resident of Central, LA, passed away on November 1, 2022 at the age of 84. May was an avid painter, where her paintings can be seen in family members’ homes, she did crafts, baked cakes and candies, and cooked with passion. She also had a “green thumb” and had many plants, and just enjoyed bird watching. May loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carlsbad, NM, Christ Lutheran Church in Lubbock, TX, Trinity Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge, LA, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamogordo, NM. She and her husband served the church however they could; no task was too big or too small, as long as they were serving the Lord.

May is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Oscar “Pete” Simank, Jr.; daughter, Kristina “Krys” Abel and husband Terry of Denham Springs, LA; grandchildren, Kimberly O’Brian and husband Jeff of Denham Springs, LA, Keren Abel of Laporte, TX, and Emily and Andrew Abel of Denham Springs, LA; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Rayne Wolfe of Laporte, TX, and Adaline Blake O’Brian and Aiden O’Brian, both of Denham Springs, LA; brothers, Cousin Jack Law; nieces, Debbie Wilson and Donna Hinze; nephews, Walter “JR” Kulhanek, Frank Kulhanek, Ernie Kulhanek, and Lester Hinze; and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews, and special friends all over the U.S. She is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Law; sisters, Lillian Standefer, Lois Hinze; niece, Cathy Kulhanek; nephews, Gary Hinze and Keith Hinze; granddaughter, Jocelyn Brianne King; and numerous uncles, aunts, and her grandmother.

A memorial gathering will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10 am until memorial service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors at Ochsner and their staff, the staff of Hospice in His Care, and most of all to the staff of Claiborne at Shoe Creek Assisted Living Facility in Central, LA. They have shown how a place can not only make you feel safe, but can make you feel like family. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.