Irene Mary (Morvan) Niette

Irene Mary Morvan Niette, 90 years of age and a resident of Natchitoches, passed away on January 20, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. Irene was born September 25, 1924 in Many, LA. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, Tom Peter Niette; her parents, Jules Morvan and Josephine Corrales Morvan; her brothers, Eura Morvan, Gilbert Morvan, Julius Morvan, Bernard Morvan, Earl Morvan and Floyd Morvan; and one sister, Rebina Morvan O’Con. She is survived by three loving children, Howard Niette and his wife Sue Ivy Niette of Dry Prong, Janie Niette Sandel of Haughton, and Brenda Niette Melder and her husband, Thomas G. Melder of Natchitoches. Irene adored her six grandchildren, Todd Niette, Kelly Wayne Sandel, Denise Sandel Duncan, Chadwick Melder, Angelina Sandel Minogue, and LeAnne Melder Broussard. Also left to cherish her memory is an honorary daughter, Gwen Banes of Natchitoches, 11 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. As a young mother, Irene raised her infant son while her husband proudly served in General Patton’s Army in Italy and Western Europe from 1942 until 1945. She managed the Chief Drive-In Theatre in Natchitoches for 18 years, but she gave her heart and soul to tending to her family. As a busy homemaker and caregiver, she was always cooking, gardening, and attending to the activities of her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed time with friends playing BINGO. After raising her own children, she cared for the children at the Up With Kids daycare center. Irene was a member of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxillary. Irene loved nothing more than to cook a lovely meal for her family; she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be from 5 pm until 9 pm on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7 pm on Friday the 23rd in the funeral home chapel. Visitation on Saturday will be from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Stephen Soares serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery of Natchitoches. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Todd Niette, Kelly Wayne Sandel, Chadwick Melder, David Broussard, Jr., Kenton Johnson, Garrett Sandel, Kirkland Hoffpauir and Tristen Niette. Honorary pallbearers will be Beau Broussard, Briggs Broussard, and Baylor Broussard. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Courtyard of Natchitoches for their extraordinary care during Irene’s lengthy illness.