Ellen Ourso White

Ellen Ourso White, the First Lady of the White House and the Matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully at her home in St. Gabriel on Monday, March 18, 2024. She was born on June 24, 1938 to Marjorie & Pierre Ourso. A 1956 graduate of Central High School, she was the editor of the yearbook and salutatorian of her senior class. She worked in the accounting department at Dow Chemical and, along with her husband Alvin, owned Lori’s Restaurant in St. Gabriel for 28 years. She was the ultimate hostess and cook. Some of her family’s favorites include her crawfish bisque, rice dressing and “party mix.” She enjoyed attending LSU sporting events and volunteering at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, but she was happiest spending time with her family and close friends and supporting her grandchildren, Brandon and Taylor, in all of their activities.

She is survived by her daughter Lori Layman and husband Brian; grandchildren Brandon Layman (Beatriz Acosta) and Taylor Armstreet (Joshua); great grandson Pablo Layman; sisters Virgie LeBlanc and Gail Sanders (Tommy); brother Clinton Ourso Sr. (Susan); special cousin who was like a sister, Carolyn Landry (Walter); brother-in-law Louis Ray White (Thadis) and sisters-in-law Loretta White and Mary White; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Alvin J. White; her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law W.L. and Enerva Savoie White; brothers-in-law Theodore LeBlanc, Eugene, Shirlyn and Allen White; sisters-in-law Delores White and Irene Gillespie; and nephew Ted LeBlanc Jr.

Pallbearers will be Brian, Brandon, Joshua, Joseph Ourso, Clinton Ourso Jr., Ryan Rome, Jimmy LeBlanc and Randy White. Honorary pallbearers are Trey Sanders, Scott White, and Clyde Lessard. Visitation will take place on Monday, March 25th from 9 AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Gabriel Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Fredricka, Nancy and Shamaya Keller of Caring Angels and the staff of Pinnacle Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church (stgabrielcatholicchurch.com).