Elena Isabel Zambrano

Elena Isabel Zambrano, surrounded by her loving family, entered peacefully into heaven on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 89. Elena was a beautiful, intelligent and self-giving person with a charming personality. By her daily living, she showed family and friends how to live a Christian life grounded in the values of faith, family and caring for others.

Elena was born on July 25, 1935 in Progreso, Honduras to the late Facundo Chacón and Alejandrina Gonzalez. She was the fourth child out of six siblings. Throughout her youthful years, she lived in Honduras, Mexico, and British Honduras. Her nurturing nature developed with the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings, Maximo (Gando) and Brigida (Bicky). Elena traveled with her father to Tampa, Florida, where she attended grammar school. After a short period in the United States, Elena returned to Honduras. She graduated with the highest honors from the Instituto Moderno in Tegucigalpa earning the title of Commercial Secretary.

Soon after, Elena’s family immigrated to the United States. While in New Orleans, she worked for Pattison Pontiac. Elena fell in love with Manuel Zambrano; they married in New York in 1961. She enjoyed working at Macy’s in Manhattan and looked forward to seeing the Macy’s parade. Due to her husband’s work with Johnson & Johnson, Elena traveled to and lived in several South and Central American countries. After having three children, she worked as an International Banking Officer in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Elena and her family returned to New Orleans in 1977. She continued her work in international banking at First NBC and Whitney Bank. Her faith deepened while working part time at the gift shop of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and later as the weekend receptionist at the St. Louis Cathedral. She was a devoted supporter of St. Theresa of Avila Church and participated in many fundraising efforts.

Elena’s line of work changed to the world of young people. She nurtured college students at Loyola University New Orleans working with Residential Life. Several years later, she transferred to the Preparatory Arts Program as the Office Manager, where her love for children was felt. She had also volunteered to help needy children in San Jose, Costa Rica and became a passionate supporter of Honduras Relief Efforts.

Elena cherished beautiful memories with her children. She spent time with them enjoying life, the beach, the parks, the movies, family gatherings, high school band concerts, parades, baseball games and beignets. She also treasured the special moments with her grandchildren and great grandchildren by going to the French Quarter, enjoying birthday parties, and art and violin school, feeding little ducklings at City Park, Café du Monde and graduations. From these loved ones, we thank you so much.

Elena was the matriarch of a large and loving family. They learned to value her wisdom, sense of humor and love for life as she faced the difficulties with her disability after her stroke in 2012. She always greeted them with, “Hola, mi amor” (“Hello, my love”).

Elena is preceded in death by her sisters Maria C. Spoor and Brigida C. Pierce; and her brothers Jose Ernesto Chacón, Jose Manuel Chacón and Maximo E. Chacón.

She is survived by her children Laura A. Zambrano, Rebeca I. Russell, and Manuel R. Zambrano, Jr. (Maria Veronica); sibling Rosa Oromi (Jose); grandchildren Erik S. Russell (Hayley), Lauren E. Schell (Phil), Julie K. Freeman (David), and Michael J. Russell (Fiancée Taylor); great grandchildren Elena N. Schell, Thea A. Schell, Arabella R. Schell, and Asher K. Schell. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren.

The immediate family wishes to express their gratitude to all the doctors and their staff who took care of Elena: Ochsner affiliated facilities and Heart of Hospice; dedicated caregivers; our family for their unwavering love and support; St. Theresa of Avila family and dear friends for their prayers; and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for their protection.

Relatives and friends from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm are invited to celebrate Elena’s life at the visitation on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans.

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, visitation will begin at 11:00 am followed by a funeral mass at noon at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 10021 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. Interment will take place in All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com