Simon Peter Elliser

Simon Elliser, the loving son of Maurice and May Elliser, devoted husband of Huguette, and beloved father of Jackie and Linda, was born in Dutchtown on June 20, 1919. He passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Christwood Retirement Community in Covington. Simon was a World War II veteran who served in the invasion of Normandy, where he landed on Utah Beach. He received the Purple Heart after being wounded in action. He was sent back to Oxford, England, where he remained for 38 days. After leaving England, he was sent back to France (north of Paris) where he was assigned as a French interpreter for his battalion and where he met his wife, Huguette Garinot, of Compiegne, France. After serving his country, he became a member of the American Legion and worked at Ethyl Corp., now Albermarle, for more than 31 years. Survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Huguette Garinot, of Compiegne and Baton Rouge; daughters, Jacqueline Maravich McLachlan and husband Jim, of Covington, and Linda Bruce and husband Doug, of Frisco, Texas; and grandchildren, Jaeson and Joshua Maravich, of Covington, Matt Bruce, of Baton Rouge, Bonnie Bruce, and Blair Bruce Boudreaux and husband Chris, of Frisco, Texas. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Murphy Brown, of Whitehall; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Mitchell and May Sarah Phillips Elliser, who were originally from Ascension Parish; son-in-law, Pete Maravich; brothers, Ray Francis and Herman Elliser; sisters, Verlie E. Fontenot, Viola E. Hannie, Ruby E. Poche and Norma E. Brown. He was also preceded in death by baby brother, Norman; and niece, Carolyn Poche Raybon. Simon's outgoing personality and good heart made everlasting friendships with anybody he would meet. He and his wife cherished their friends from their Baton Rouge neighborhood coffee club. The family would like to thank Simon's special friend, Brother Eldon Crifasi, and his nieces, Shirley Hannie and Diane Barnes, for helping with funeral arrangements. Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 15, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Jeff Bayhi presiding. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home.