Carmelita was a native of Vinton and was Wiccan. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed native american food and crafts.
Survivors include her children, Joseph A. Istre, Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth, of Sulphur, Eugene David Istre and his wife, Mary, of Port Neches, Tx., Pamela Raye Foster of Vinton, Paula Renee Welton and her husband Robert of Orange, Cody James Istre of Vinton, and Corey Paul Istre and his wife, Shannon, of Vinton; brothers Byron Christian, Wendell Christian and Eric Christian; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph A. Istre, Sr.; and her parents Billy and Martha Christian.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 2, in Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. The Rev. Susil Fernando will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery of Lake Charles. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Monday with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.