Ellennora Abel Zurigo

Ellennora Abel Zurigo, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 17, 2024. She was born in New Orleans, LA to her loving parents Earl Henry and Agnes Marie Abel. Ellennora attended Kenner High School before receiving her Associates Degree in Food Management from LSU-Baton Rouge.

Ellennora was a seamstress for most of her life. She sewed for many local dancing clubs including the Shady Ladies and Ain’t Misbehavin’, as well as for Mardi Gras balls and many local and out of state customers. Her customers adored her and were faithful customers for many years. She valued the importance of family and loved with her whole heart. She never met a stranger and loved engaging with new people. One of her rules when you visited her was you had to hug her when you arrived and you had to hug her when you left. If you weren’t already family, once you hugged her you instantly became family. She loved people beyond measure and regardless of who you were or what your story was she opened her heart to all. Ellennora would hold a “function” every year after the local Irish Italian parade in March where family and friends would gather at her house to enjoy music, food, games and even prizes. She loved to have her family near her and everyone having a good time. Many times you could find her dancing along to the music, which is something she enjoyed in earlier years. Ellennora loved being out in nature. She enjoyed fishing and crabbing, going to the mountains and taking cruises. In her later years she delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly and found she enjoyed it. On Sundays it was common to walk into her house and hear French music playing. Ellennora was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Kenner for many years and would read her bible often. When she couldn’t make the services she would listen to them. Ellennora will be missed by many people for her kind heart and beautiful spirit. She loved on her grandchildren and was always open to visits.

Ellennora is survived by her children Yvonne Cuevas, Floyd Heath Jr, John Heath, and Gloria Heckmann; grandchildren Floyd (Dara), William, Samantha (Wade), Tanya (Justin), Jimmy (Jessica), Katherine (Cary), Kristina (Ryan), Patricia (Eric), Anna (Johnithan), Karen (PJ), Tracy, and Lisa (Mark); 30 great-grandchildren; and 2 expected great-great-grandchildren Rowan and Baby Gordan; and sisters Beatrice (Dwight), Rosetta, Eva, Valarie (Rodney) and numerous nieces and nephews. . She is preceded in death by her late husbands Floyd Heath Sr., Melvin Wilson, and Victor Zurigo; parents Earl and Agnes Abel; brothers Phillip, Noel, Vaughn, and Randolph; sisters June, Carolyn, and Peggy; daughter in law Olithia; and a great granddaughter Kristen.

A Celebration of life will be held on December 7, 2024 from 11am-until at her home to celebrate and honor Ellennora’s life. Family and friends are all welcome.

Ellennora's family would like to thank Concern Health and Hospice, Craig Jordan and Leitz-Eagan for helping with the care of Ellennora.

The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.