Leatrice Inez Selle Madden

Leatrice Inez Selle Madden, age 95, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on February 20, 2021. She was born in New Orleans to the late George Olwell Selle and Hilda Adams Selle. Lea was the beloved wife of Donald Huet Madden for 67 years; devoted mother of Donna Lea Madden Casselli and Debra Madden Courtney (Richard); and grandmother of Dana Casselli Simon, Marin Casselli Murphy (Darren), Lauren Courtney Mastio (Stewart), and Matthew Ross Courtney. “Grandma Lea” was great-grandmother to Savannah Grace Simon, Madden Caroline Mastio, Caelen Kyler Murphy, Elizabeth Louise Mastio, and Emerson Grace Murphy. Lea was a loving aunt to her nephews and nieces, whom she adored.

Lea was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, where she attended school. For college, Lea and her dear sister, Sherle Selle Abramson, both attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Lea received a B.S. in Education. A favorite activity while attending LSU was participating in the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority—Beta Iota Chapter. As an alumni member she was honored in 1993 by receiving the “Order of the Rose,” from Alpha Xi Delta for 50 years or more of involvement.

After graduating from LSU, Lea was delighted to teach kindergarten at St. John Lutheran School. She taught kindergarten until her children were born and then focused her attention full-time to caring for her loving husband, Donald, and their daughters.

Lea’s priorities in life were her deep and abiding faith in God, her unconditional love for her beloved husband, Donald, her family, and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Mt. Olive, while being an active member of Mt. Olive’s Ladies’ Aide.

Her hobbies included gardening, sailing, and fishing. Lea’s memberships included Metairie Women’s Club, Metairie Literary Guild, Lakeside Country Club, and the Southern Yacht Club.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private memorial service was held for the family on February 27, 2021 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where Lea was a lifelong member. Rev. Bradley A. Drew, devoted pastor to Lea for 20 years, officiated the service. The burial was in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church 315 Ridgelake Dr., Metairie, LA, 70001 (504) 833-4963.