Shirley Theresa Blume Bentel

Shirley Theresa Blume Bentel has gone home to be with her Savior, Lord Jesus Christ on the evening of July 6, 2012 at the age of 75. Beloved daughter of the late Rudolph O. Blume, Sr. and Garnet A. Blume. She is survived by Henry P. Bentel, Jr., her devoted husband of 57 years; her brother Rudolph O. Blume Jr., Carol B. Naquin, and was proceeded in death by her brother Gerald J. Blume, Sr. Loving and compassionate mother of Henry P. Bentel III, the late Lawrence C. Bentel, Ronald J. Bentel, Stephen M. Bentel, William D. Bentel, and Lori Ann Bentel. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Shirley was born in New Orleans, Louisiana where she attended St. Stephens High School and later moved to Kenner, Louisiana where she has resided for the past 45 years. After raising 6 children, she attended Jefferson Parish Vocational-Technical School and earned her Certification in Hotel Administration Management for Executive Housekeeper, Certified Dietetic Assistant, and recognized by the National Executive Housekeeping Association, Inc. for her completion of the Records Program. She also won numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding performance and achievements as the Executive Housekeeper and Laundry Manager for the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in N.O., Sheraton on the Lake in N.O., Holiday Inn Crown Plaza in N.O., and the Airport Travelodge in Kenner. She also worked for a brief time as the Catering Manager for Loyola University. While working over 15 years in the Hotel Management Industry, she also raised 4 of her grandchildren. Never possessing a selfish bone in her body, Shirley always put her family before herself. For more than 30 years she served as an Election Commissioner alongside her husband in the City of New Orleans and continued to do so after moving to Kenner where she served in District K25. Once she retired from Executive Housekeeping, she dedicated her time to caretaking for her children and grandchildren. In addition to providing for her own family while in retirement, Shirley became a caretaker for the elderly and the sick. In more recent years, she spent time cruising the town with her friends; however, her most favorite past time was spent loving and watching her great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than her “Special Angel” to whom the word “no” never existed to in her vocabulary. Always giving herself to more than three generations of her family and never wanting anything but love in return; she truly was a remarkable woman. All her life she worked hard to provide for her family, and would sacrifice her own wants to make sure her family was taken care of. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who will be sadly missed and forever remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Divine Providence, 917 N. Atlanta St., Metairie, La. on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 11:00am. All are welcome to attend visitation in the Church from 10am-11:00am before Mass commences. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to do so is encouraged to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, in honor of Shirley T. Bentel.