Elsie “Dee” Cullen Celestin was called peacefully to heaven on September 6, 2019 at the age of 95. She is survived by one son, Michael and his wife, Toni and one daughter, Dona and her husband Fred McDougall. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Naomi Celestin, Joe Belmonte and Scott McDougall (Whitney), and two great grandchildren, Amiel Robinson and Austen Belmonte. Preceded in death by eight siblings, Mary “Annie” Juneau (Ivy), Mabel Redmon (Al), Velma Turner (Edly), Zula Goodwin (Cliff), Eric “Buddy” Cullen (Connie), Curtis Cullen (Doris), Joseph “Frizz” E. Cullens, Sr. (Virginia), Roberta Favaron (Tony). Loving Aunt to several generations of nieces and nephews. She was born on September 8, 1923 in Evergreen, Louisiana to the late Dave and Elodie Cullen. After graduating in 1941 from Shady Grove High School near Rosedale, LA, she moved to New Orleans and was employed by Woolworths on Canal Street where she managed the record counter. She was married to the late Jack Henry Celestin for 37 years. As a resident of St. Bernard parish and parishioner of St. Louise de Marillac for 56 years prior to Hurricane Katrina, her life was dedicated to caring for her family and friends. Cooking, gardening and reading were among her favorite hobbies. She also loved music and was always singing and whistling tunes while working around the house and in the garden.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional care given by Egan Hospice.
Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of her life on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, La. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dee’s memory to a charity of your choice.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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