Blog Post

Renella Marie Mallet Chautin

J.M. Morrow Nursing Home, Betty Roy • Mar 12, 2018

Renella and Shirley, Classmates are reunited!

On Monday afternoons, the residents enjoy Bingo. Two ladies always sit together and their easy give and take makes it apparent that they have been good friends for a long time. They are Renella and Shirley, two attractive ladies who smile a lot.

Today is a cold, rainy, Saturday which is perfect for visiting my friends at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. By 9:00 a.m., the laundry is done, dishes are clean and I am ready to go. When I enter the dining room at the nursing home, someone is leading a group in singing "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." Mary, one of the Activity Directors is sitting with some of the residents so I know I'm not needed there. I walk down the hall and soon I am knocking on Eliza and Doris' door. A chorus of "Come In!" greets me. These two ladies were enjoying a visit from about eight relatives. The Eliza and Doris Story will have to wait until another day.

The next door I knock on is Renella and Shirley's. Renella quickly gives me her chair and makes sure I am confortable. Ahhh, it is a visit with friends--warm and comfortable and I smile as I recall my time with them. We start on Renella's story first. She sits on her bed and recalls her life.

She is Mrs. Ervin Chautin, born Renella Marie Mallet to Elvie Prejean from Carencro and Valex Mallet from Arnaudville. When Renella was a young child, her family moved to Notleyville, a community north of Leonville. Elvie and Valex were farmers with two girls, Rena Mae and Renella Marie, known as "Poon" to her friends. The girls picked cotton, dug potatoes and did all the chores kids were responsible for in days past. They were sharecroppers on the Clebert Dalfrey farm. Renella remembers helping her mother in the garden. The beautiful purple eggplants from that garden made delicious eggplant dressing that Renella will never forget. Her father raised pigs and all the farm animals and the family made boucheries and cleaned chickens. But it was not all work. Renella remembers picnics on the bayou and her Dad's barbeque. She remembers how her parents spoiled them. There was sewing and quilting to learn. I asked if she ever hunted. She confessed that she had never touched a gun!

Renella tells of her favorite meal. Her mom cleaned a "big hen and made a delicious fricassée with rice and potato salad." The sisters, Rena Mae and Renella, were just 16 months apart and were very close. Renella says they were best friends even at school. Shirley, Renella's roommate was in the same class as the Mallet girls. She remembers the sisters always being together. When they grew up, their father drove them to the Silver Slipper and it is there Renella met her future husband, Ervin Chautin. He came up and asked her to dance and that is how they met and then fell in love. They married and lived for four years with Renella's parents before establishing their own farm and raising their family.

Sadness did come to Renella's family. Renella's sister was married and had one child, John Ray Taylor when she was 20 years old. Rena Mae died from complications of childbirth just six weeks after her baby was born. Renella fondly remembers her sister and still suffers the pain of that loss. Renella helped her mother care for the baby, John Ray. He was married to Marie Bergeron and sadly, she is now deceased.

Just nine months after Rena Mae died, Renella had her first child. She called her Dianne Marie.Dianne is married to Dan Quebedeaux and they have two daughters: Karen and Angela. Karen has two children: Danielle and Nicolas. Angela has a son called "Luke."

Renella and Ervin had a second child, a son they called John Dale. John Dale lives in Port Barre and is married to Amy Comeaux. They have three children: Jennifer Renee, John Frederick, "Freddie," and Eric Kristopher. Jennifer is married to Jason Arnaud and they have three children: Gannon, Brennon and Emeri. Freddie is married to Catherine Baque and they have two children: John Rhett and Lily. Eric and Kristen Bertrand are expecting a son in April. John Dale visits his mother every week.

Ervin developed lung cancer and died on April 9, 1999. He was 73 years old and they had been married for 48 years. During her married life, Renella had worked for 16 years at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. She worked in the Laundry Department. Renella lived alone for nearly 20 years after Ervin died. The family were parishioners of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville. Faith has always been important in Renella's life.

One day Renella fell while John Dale was visiting her. During the afternoon, while her daughter, Dianne, was with her, she fell again. Renella and her children realized that something was wrong. They brought her to the hospital for testing and she knew that she could no longer live at home. Because of her work experience at J. Michael, she knew what to expect. On March 16, 2017, she joined the nursing home community. Like most residents, Renella prefers living in the nursing home than depending on family for all of her needs. She does not want her children to worry about her. They are very good about visiting with her. Her daughter lives nearby and comes to check on her often. Dianne takes care of whatever Renella needs. She even keeps Renella's little refrigerator stocked with her favorite drinks and snacks.

Renella feels the nursing home is the place for her. She is especially grateful regarding medications. She tells me that they even come in three times a day to administer lubricating eye drops. This is yet another thing that Renella does not have to worry about.

Of course, Renella is proud of her family. From the many pictures in her room, she points out the grandchildren and even the great grands, like Dani, Cole in his Army uniform and Luke.

But, the picture that makes Renella laugh is the following one which her granddaughter, Angie, framed and put it up in her room. Renella proudly babysat Luke until he started kindergarten, (and spoiled shamelessly, according to his grandmother, Dianne).

John Dale and Amy recently attended Amy's 40th year class reunion. It was held at the Silver Slipper, which is now a restaurant. Yes, it is the same place where Renella and Ervin met and danced together those many years ago.

When I asked Renella if she had a recipe she would share with everyone, she gave me the following recipe:

RENELLA'S PECAN PRALINES

2 CUPS SUGAR
1 CUP EVAPORATED MILK
1 CUP PECANS
1/2 STICK BUTTER.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CHOCOLATE PRALINE, ADD ONE TABLESPOON (OR MORE, DEPENDING ON TASTE) CHOCOLATE POWDER.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil. Stir in butter and pecans. Heat until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Remove from heat.
Beat until thickened, then drop by tablespoons on a buttered surface.

Renella Chautin is a peaceful, loving lady. She enjoys her days even if she is in a nursing facility. She has caring family and friends because she is a caring and loving person. Like her roommate, Shirley, I am proud to be numbered among her friends.

Betty Arnaud Roy, Proud Volunteer
Member of the Nonco Foundation where we continue his work of visiting with members of the community.

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Around Our Home Away From Home, Our Stories

George Louis Frugé

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 26 May, 2021

George Frugé was sitting peacefully in the dining room with his brown jacket on a hanger in anticipation of an outdoor visit. Too bad it was bitterly cold and the nurse in change of visitation, “Mary,” assigned George to an indoor booth instead. George moves fast. He does not look or act like a man of 93 years. Mary Aileen Kidder, one of George’s fellow residents at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home said: “George is physical mobile and mentally sharp.” The nurse returned to the indoor booth over an hour later to tell that our visitation time had expired. George and I had had a lovely conversation, almost all in French. George remembers family details. His father was Christopher Frugé and his mother was Ida Lalonde. Christopher Frugé who was born August 10, 1905, the son of Henry Joseph Frugé and Adeline Thibodeaux. Christopher’s brothers, and George’s uncles were Willis “Bill” who married Olivia Bellard; Columbus “Boy” who married Louisia Noel; Albert who married Elvina Dupuis, and there were two other brothers, August and Wilbert who died in early childhood. George’s father’s sisters were: Isabelle, Mrs. Clophas Comeaux; Maria Rachel, Mrs. Frank Guidroz; and Ella, Mrs. Franklin Randolph Wright. Henry Joseph Frugé married a second wife, Nadia “Da” Perriou. They had two children: Joseph Henry who married Lorena Savoie and James Earl who married Mavis Olivier. Born on August 24, 1927, in Arnaudville, George lived his whole life in the area, except when he was working on dredge boats. He had four brothers: Lee Roy, Ludovic, John “Pete” and Milton “Bob.” George attended school in the school house on Highway 31 near Myran’s restaurant. He remembers there was a “little” graduation after the sixth grade. He also attended school in Chicago and became a Chief Port Engineer. During his long career working on dredge boats, he traveled the world over. And, he proudly proclaims he “knows machines.” One day, George drove down Highway 31 to visit with his mother who was caring for his grandmother. On the way, he stopped at “Faquin’s,” a little country store. There he met a girl from Arnaudville named Ethel Mae Bergeron. He told his mother that day that he had met the girl he would marry and he did. Ethel graduated from Leonville High School. She and George had three sons: Terry, Kenneth and Neal; and two daughters: Kathie and Tammie. They have nine grandchildren: Kristie, Brad, Hollie, Gerrod, Chad, Jeremy, Lydia, Brittany and McKenzie. They have ten great grandchildren: Joshua, Kolten, Blaire, Lesley, Dustin, Addison, Braylon, Gabrielle, Brayden and Noah. George and Ethel spent their time surrounded by a great family and many wonderful friends. The Catholic couple attended St. Leo Church in Leonville where George volunteered in service of his fellow parishioners. George remembers a homelife of nice quiet evenings watching TV. He and Ethel also enjoyed gardening. He liked to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, bell pepper, hot peppers, watermelon, merleton and crowder peas. Probably in the 1940’s, before television, many of the towns in the area had baseball or softball teams. There was the Nina Red Birds, Arnaudville Blue Jays, New Iberia Rebels and Cecilia Merchants, just to name a few. The large Richard family from Arnaudville had a softball team and George played on the Richard team. He explained that some teams played hardball or baseball. Dr. Robert L. “Bobby” Morrow, the Arnaudville doctor, was the pitcher of the baseball team. George played softball as the second baseman for the Richard Brothers Softball Team. Some of the Richards were Antoine, Louis, June, Francis, Lawrence and Carroll. Raymond Bergeron, Ethel's brother, also played with the team. The softball games were held on the Leroy Darby Field near Last Street in Arnaudville. Leonville also had a softball time. Some Team members George remembers were Leroy Carriere, Hoppy Morris and Alex Richard. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball )

Mary-Aileen Babineaux Kidder

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 05 Mar, 2021

Aileen Kidder is now a resident at J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home in Arnaudville. In true Aileen fashion, she is making the most out of this stage of her life and serving as example to all.

Lucy Jane Hardy Frederick

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 05 Feb, 2021

Lucy Frederick shares memories.

"Veavil"

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home and the Nonco Foundation Volunteer, Betty Roy • 02 Feb, 2020

Veavil Latiolais Guidry's story of life, career, love, losing a child and the senior care at J. M. Morrow Nursing Home.

Joseph Dorret and JoAnn Meche Mallet

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 31 Dec, 2019

It is a joy to sit and visit with Joseph and JoAnn Mallet. Though JoAnn does most of the talking, the love they have shared for over 63 years is apparent. Joseph is a resident at J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home and JoAnn visits him every day. Although it is difficult for Joseph to get around, JoAnn was happy that they were able to bring Joseph to share a special Christmas celebration at their son's home this year.

Leonard Angelle Shares His Memoirs

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 31 Dec, 2019

Leonard Louis Angelle shares his memoirs and those of Franklin Wright.

Julius and Betty Jo Courville, Jr.

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 26 Dec, 2019

It was a beautiful summer day when Julius Courville Jr. decided to walk to the store in his hometown of Breaux Bridge. His route took him by City Park where a little bandstand stood. On this particular day, a pretty girl sat on that bandstand. Julius learned that her name was Betty Jo Young and the two began a courtship that resulted in a marriage that has endured for over 65 years. Now, Julius and Betty sit side-by-side and visit at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. Julius learned that Betty Jo Young came to Acadiana from Oklahoma when she was only 9 years old. Her father worked in the oil patch. Julius also worked in the oil industry; but, when he was 19 years old, he joined the Army and served his country for 8 years. He says that he and Betty’s first home was in Clarksville, Tennessee. They lived there while he was stationed at Fort Campbell, in Kentucky. The Courvilles returned to Acadiana and raised a family of four children, two boys and two girls. Their daughter Debbie resides in Abbeville. Their youngest son Tim lives in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Their daughter Becky lives in Fort Worth. There was another son Kenneth who was very kind. One year, for Easter, he made a gift for every one of the residents at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. He brought smiles to all of their faces. Kenneth is deceased now but Betty doesn’t know that and Julius is careful not to upset her. Kenneth was only 60 when he passed away. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, shooting his gun at the range and spending time with his grandchildren. Kenneth faithfully loved visiting his mom in the nursing home and being a sidekick to his dad. They are a close-knit family. Five years ago, when Betty first became a resident at the nursing home, she loved to entertain all of the residents and guests. She had learned to play the piano as a child watching her mother. She says she became an even better piano player than her mom. She no longer plays but when Mavis Arnaud Frugé prompts her, Betty breaks out in song! Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai. Je te plumerai la tête. Et la tête! Alouette! A-a-a-ah Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai. Je te plumerai le bec. Et le bec! Et la tête! Alouette! A-a-a-ah Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te plumerai .... In April of 2019, Julius joined Betty at the nursing home. How does he like it? He says: "It is what you make of it." He continues: "When you wake up in the morning, put a smile on your face. If you can't, get back in bed and get up on the other side. If you want life to be bad, you can surely make it so. But, if you put a smile on your face, you can meet your challenges and find pleasure in life. It depends on YOU!" Julius even sings in the nursing home choir and finds many activities to fill his hours. Remember: "It is what you make of it."

The Walking Ladies of Opelousas

By J.M. Morrow Nursing Home • 11 Oct, 2019

J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home is proud of Alice Morrow, wife of Pat Morrow, who was named one of the 2019 Leaders In Philanthropy Honorees for St. Landry Parish by The Community Foundation of Acadiana on September 25, 2019. Congratulations to Alice and all of the Walking Ladies of Opelousas.