OBITUARY Irene “Smokie” Sellers Chatelain October 1, 1927 – December 24, 2018 Irene “Smokie” Sellers Chatelain Beloved wife of the late Paul E. Chatelain for 63 years, joined him in eternal life on Monday, December 24, 2018 at the age of 91. Born in Lafayette on October 1, 1927, she was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Lafayette and the LSU School of Journalism (‘49). Smokie lived a long and happy life doting on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She maintained a strong, patient and calm demeanor throughout her lifetime, a constant rock of support for her loved ones. She enjoyed frequent visits to the river boat casinos, always bringing with her a remarkable amount of luck and fearlessness. Smokie was an avid reader who passed along her love of books and learning to her family.
Her children describe her best as simply an incredible mother always present and supportive of their successes. Smokie was a fabulous cook and passionate fan of both LSU and Saints football. She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a volunteer at St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic School and a long time parishioner of St. Lawrence the Martyr and Our Lady of Divine Providence parishes.
In later years, she worked with Down syndrome children as a volunteer at Magnolia Community Services on River Road. Although Christmas this year will be somewhat somber for her loved ones, Smokie will be remembered fondly each year as they display her hand painted porcelain ornaments on their Christmas trees. She was preceded in death by her parents Isabelle Vial Sellers and Caliphor Camille “CC” Sellers and her siblings Robert Sellers, Caliphor Joseph “CJ” Sellers, Paul Sellers, Anne Sellers, Theresa Sellers Mouton and Charles Sellers.
She is survived by her children Dr. Anne Nastasi (Philip), Patricia Chatelain, Steven Chatelain (Carol), John Thomas Chatelain (Sherrylyn), Michael Chatelain (Dianne), Edward Chatelain (Colette). She was the loving grandmother of fourteen grandchildren, Lisa C. Lambert (Glenn), Dr. Joseph Chatelain, Michelle C. Fullmer (Eric), Karen C. Chandler (Michael), Matthew Chatelain, Cassandra Chatelain, Angeline Nastasi, Katherine Chatelain, David Chatelain (Samantha), Dino Nastasi, Andrew Chatelain (Rachel), Kristen Chatelain, Daniel Chatelain (Hanna), Elizabeth Chatelain and seven great-grandchildren, Emory Lambert, Claire Chandler, Felix Chatelain, Isaac Chandler, Victoria Lambert, Juliette Fullmer and Ruth Chatelain. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.
, on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2pm. A visitation will begin at 12pm. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to either Magnolia Community Services (mcs-nola.org) or Missionaries of the Word (missionariesoftheword.com). The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.
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