Ella Marie LaGrange Simms

On May 31, 2024, at the age of 88, Ella Marie LaGrange Simms courageously and peacefully went home to her Heavenly Father – welcomed by the loved ones who went before her. Ella was the spunky, brazen youngest daughter of Dudley and Clementine LaGrange, sister of Dorothy LaGrange, wife of Kent A. Simms, and proud mom of Bonnie (Mark Koepp), Kent (Gina Simms), and Nancy (Ed Comiskey). She’s forever loved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christina (George McDaniel), John (Ashley Simms), Catherine (Rommel Baylon), Joshua, Matthew, Daniel (Carly), Rebecca, Bella, Chloe, and John David.

Ella brought vibrant life, love, and a healthy dose of sass to every day. She was a masterful seamstress, homemaker, and cook. She loved all-things-beautiful, had impeccable style, and stunning home decor. She poured her life into her family and served as a persevering caretaker for her parents, husband, and sister. An overcomer – she weathered numerous catastrophic hurricanes and life’s tragedies with the grace and grit that carried her family through their hardest days. Never has there been – or will there be – a more colorful storyteller, loyal caretaker, and truthteller. She spoke candidly, and lived authentically with a tender heart for Jesus and children. Ella’s quick wit, love of learning, and adventurous nature was magical. All who knew her loved her as she embodied the enduring spirit and heartbeat of old New Orleans. A Who Dat, a lady, and likely the newest Chief Chef in Heaven.

A visitation for Ella will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, followed by the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.