NEW IBERIA – Graveside services will be conducted for Mrs. Melvin Howell, the former Elsie Saunders, age 93, at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Iberia Veterans Honor Guard.
A native of Boston, MA and resident of New Iberia, LA Mrs. Howell passed away on Monday, July 29, 2019 at her residence.
Elsie was born in Boston, MA on November 19, 1925 to Charles and Jetta Young Saunders. As a child, Elsie grew up during the Great Depression and was a hardworking and determined young woman. In the year 1942 during World War II, Elsie enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 17. She proudly served in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAC) in Santa Barbara, CA as a nurse and medical tech. After World War II ended and the WAC disbanded, Elsie continued serving her country as an officer in the Woman’s Auxiliary and as a member of the American Legion. While stationed in California, Elsie met her first husband, Lester Boutte. They married soon after and set roots in New Iberia, LA. Elsie owned and operated the first beauty shop (Elsie’s Beauty Shop) in Lydia, LA for over 30 years. She also started an answering service and worked as a surveyor for the State of Louisiana. A loving mother and grandmother, Elsie will be truly and deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Renard and husband Harold of Delcambre, Sandra Bott and husband Tim of Chadsword, CA, Norma Bonin and husband Beau of New Iberia, Deborah Briggs and husband Roy of New Iberia, Jennifer Eskind and companion Phil Bayard of New Iberia, and Leslie McGrew and husband Ken of New Iberia.
She also leaves behind to cherish her memory, fifteen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Howell; and two sisters.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff and nurses of Grace Hospice, Stephanie Leleux, and to Vicki Gilliam for their kindness and support.
To view the on-line obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
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