Janine Le Dourner Delattre

Her life began on April 6, 1926 in Paris, France, born to Michel Louis Hippolyte Le Dourner and Alice Julie Demolliere Le Dourner.

On September 13, 1946 in Paris, she married Marcel Xavier Delattre. They met each other at the American Embassy in Paris, where they both worked.

In 1953 Janine, Marcel, and their two year old son Francois traveled to the United States on an eight day cruise, for Marcel’s two year contract as director of a travel agency in Houston, Texas. Later, they chose to remain in Houston. In 1957 their daughter Veronique was the first in the family to be born in the United States, with dual citizenship. Janine, Marcel and Francois became United States Citizens shortly thereafter. They were a close-knit family of four, enjoyed camping in Colorado, fishing, and travelled frequently back home to France, keeping close ties to the family there.

Janine started her career with the United Way of Houston. In 1968 she was recruited by the Houston Downtown YMCA, working her way quickly up the career ladder. After receiving her certificate in administration, she was promoted to the level of Senior Director, with the title of Administrative and Residence Director. She retired after twenty-five years of exemplary achievements.

After retirement she became a frequent cruiser making memories during travel to many beautiful destinations and beaches.

Janine was a long-time board member of the Keegan’s Glen Home Owners Association, serving in various officer positions, including President for several years. She served on the Board of Directors of one of the first organizations in Houston involved in stragegic planning for the homeless population. She was a dedicated sustaining member of the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Natural Science. A life-long donor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals. She was active in the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of many dogs and cats throughout her life. Most recently, Janine bottled-raised Manny to adulthood, a two week old kitten apparently dropped in our yard by his mother who never returned for him. He was very attached to Janine, receiving loving cuddles and sleeping with her during the past year.

Janine is reunited with family who preceded her to heaven: her husband Marcel; her much loved twins Pierre and Phillipe who died at a very young age; her father and mother; her older sister Michelle Le Dourner Levy and husband Robert Levy; her younger brother Michel Le Dourner; her brother-in-law Henri Larsonneur; her nephew Herve Larsonneur; her beloved long-haired dachshunds Charlie and Tessie; her precious cat Tigger; and many other pet family members over a lifetime of her being an awesome pet mama.

She is survived by many loved ones.

Children: Son, Francois Michel Andre Delattre with wife Joann Dunham Delattre; daughter Dr. Veronique Francoise Michelle Delattre.

Grandchildren: Jason Francois Delattre with wife Sarah; granddaughter Julie Gayle Delattre Swofford with husband Steve Swofford.

Great grandchildren: Marine Cpl Mia Giselle Perez Delattre with Marine Sgt Oscar Neuville; Jason Andrew Delattre; Marine LCpl Jared Francois Delattre; Jorden Nathaniel Delattre; Kaylee A.; Krista A. Swofford; and Jayce Marcel Delattre.

Great-great grandson: Xavier Jameson Neuville, who Janine recently had the honor and pleasure of meeting and playing with this past summer.

Janine is survived in France by her younger brother and godson Christian Le Dourner with wife Genevieve, and their sons: Yann with wife Yuko, Sebastian with wife Marine and daughter Elia, and Baptiste.

Janine is survived by her younger sister Francoise Le Dourner Larsonneur. Janine’s niece and Goddaughter Veronique Bruneau with Pascal Bruneu and son Kevin.

She is survived by her niece and god-daughter Dr. Sylvie Le Dourner Deloisy with husband Dr. Serge Deloisy and their children Dr. Lola Deloisy and Lucas Deloisy. A very heart-felt thank you to Sylvie for her generous help in planning Janine’s burial.

Survived by sister-in-law Paulette Germain Le Dourner, with children Elizabeth Le Dourner with Marie and Mattieue, Sylvie Le Dourner Deloissy, and Michel Le Dourner.

Survived also by Deborah Barrientes Delattre, Diana Salas, Rebecca Mills Perez, Laura Irene Garza, Troy and Hillary Tyrell with children Jacob and Aedan, Rusty Tyrell with children Amanda, Ethan, and J.P.

Janine is survived on her husband’s side by his younger sister Yvonne Delattre Berlot, with children Alain, Jacques, Ivan, and Helene.

She is also survived by many pet family members who miss her loving cuddles.

Visitation will be held on May 1, 2023 11:00 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077. Graveside service and Internment follow at 12:00 in the consecrated ‘Stations of the Cross’ section of the cemetery. Janine will rest in peace by her husbands side, near their twin boys cenotaph.

Messages may be posted to Janine Delattre’s memory wall, and flowers may be ordered from Teleflora, through links on the funeral home website: dignitymemorial.com