Beatrice Stelly

Beatrice Jean Stelly dies after long illness Opelousas, Louisiana Former school lunchroom worker Beatrice Jean Stelly, who constantly espoused the value of education to her seven children, died Thursday, April 15, 2010, after a long illness. She was 91. Her death comes nearly one month after Mrs. Stelly celebrated her 91st birthday with family and friends at the Senior Village Nursing Home where she has resided for the past two years. Mrs. Stelly was born March 20, 1919. Among her siblings, she distinguished herself as an avid leader. Her reading materials included French books that had been handed down from her paternal grandfather, Jean-Francois Jean. When she wasn’t reading, she was writing poetry. Her love of learning allowed her to complete her schooling early, sometimes passing two grades in a year. In, 1942, she married Philip Stelly, a farmer and businessman best known for his service as a police officer for the Opelousas Police Department and as a bailiff for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department. As a wife and mother, Mrs. Stelly took to heart the responsibility of educating her children. From 1959 to 1966, she worked as a cook at J.H. Augustus Elementary to help meet the family’s educational expenses. She later served as a nurse to better support her children who all went on to earn college degrees. Mrs. Stelly was active in social and religious organizations. She had been a member of the Ladies Sodality of the Knights of Peter Claver for more than three decades. She was a lector at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and also served as secretary for the Legion of Mary. Mrs. Stelly was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Philip Stelly; and her brothers, Chester Jean and George Jean. She is survived by her children: James Albert Stelly of San Francisco; Joseph Henry Stelly of Washington, D.C.; John Harold Stelly and Paul Ronald Stelly; both of Los Angeles; Agnes Stelly Hawkins of Opelousas, Gloria Stelly of Houston; Philip Stelly, Jr., of North Palm Beach, Florida; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; her sister, Rita Jean Coleman of Opelousas; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Stelly will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2010, starting with a visitation from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at Williams Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at St. Landry Catholic Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037, is in charge of the arrangements. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net

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Beatrice Stelly

March 20, 1919 - April 15, 2010