Blog Post

Two Years Here and Nine Years a Widow

J.M. Morrow Nursing Home, Betty Roy • Aug 18, 2017

Lena Frederick Miller

I've been calling Bingo on Mondays at 2:30 at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. It is so much fun for me and the wonderful residents seem to enjoy every minute. At first, I struggled to hear their "Bingo" calls. So, on my second visit, I explained that I, too, was old and my ears were not as good as they once were. I asked everyone to shout BINGO!! And, they did. We practiced several times. Next, I told them about my stiff fingers and several admitted that they too had stiff hands and fingers. So, a few hand exercises and stretches (and lots of laughs) followed and then everyone was ready for that first Bingo game.

But, although I love to call Bingo, today, August 7, 2017, I had something else in mind. I asked the Activities Directors, Mary and Andrea, if I could visit Lena Miller instead. Of course, they agreed and they happily called Bingo Monday.

Facebook is an amazing way to connect with people. Tracy Petit Frederick sent me a message via Facebook regarding a picture of Cecelia Elementary School children.. Tracy's husband, Craig Frederick, is a nephew of Lena's. And, Lena and Craig share a birthday, August 10th. Tracy told me that Uncle Luther, Aunt Anna and Craig were taking Lena to Little Big Cup, a restaurant in Arnaudville, to celebrate Lena and Craig's birthday last week. It would be Lena's 88th!

Tracy said: "Since she (Lena) has been in the Nursing Home, we have made an annual tradition to take her to lunch. Her brother Luther and sister Anna come with us and we are occasionally joined by other siblings when they are available."

The contact with Tracy made me want to write the Lena Frederick Miller Story. In addition, Tracy volunteered to send pictures and bio. I was on my way!

On Monday, I walked to Lena's room. There are two beds in the room. The first bed was empty and a lady slept peacefully in the other. I walked back to the Nurses Station and asked if Lena Miller was in the second bed? She confirmed that was Lena's bed and so I went back and sat in Lena's comfortable chair for about 15 minutes. She did not stir. She continued her soft, easy breathing. I wrote her a note on an Apostleship of Prayer leaflet for August, left it on her bedside table and decided I would have to try again another day.

Several of my friends were sitting in the hallway and I shook hands and got hugs and I just hated to leave. So, I decided to visit with Bertha Powell and Rita Bouterie down Hall A. As I entered their room, they were trying to open the water pitcher to get ice for their cups. I joined in the action. Soon, problem solved, I was sitting on Bertha's bed and we were visiting like three teenagers. I took my phone out and showed Rita and Bertha their nursing home website stories and pictures that Sandy Esteve and I had written and a whole hour passed in friendly conversation and much laughter. I got my goodbye hugs and started down the hall and without thinking I was at Lena's door. She was sitting on her bed. I introduced myself and soon another hour had gone by.

It is easy and comfortable to talk with Lena. It was like I had known her all of my life. She grew up in Parks, the second child of Arista Frederick and Edia Guidry. After Lena married Joseph Miller, they continued to live in Parks. Some people call Joseph "Joe" and some call him "U.J." and Lena calls him "J." The couple had two children: Lisa Kay and Lonnie. Lisa, like her parents and grandparents before her, lives in the Parks area. Lonnie and his family live in St. Martinville, but not far from New Iberia. Lena lovingly sings their praises. She is a much-loved mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, sister and friend. She told me she had been at J. Michael Morrow for two years. Then, she said: "Two years here and nine years a widow."

For some, the above words would be uttered with sadness; but, not for Lena Miller. It is evident how much she misses her mother and her husband, a sister, a brother and other loved ones she has lost. But, Lena has courage and she makes the most of her life at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. Her family has helped her make the adjustment from home to her "Home Away From Home." They visit and bring her lots of pictures of her loved ones. Some of the pictures are in beautiful frames on her window sill. Having those pictures are very important to her and that helps her keep loved ones fresh in her mind. Lena keeps up with her large extended family.

While I visited, I started taking picture off of her bulletin board over her bed and I would ask her to tell me about the person in the picture. One was Lena pictured with Emily and Mary, two of the nurses at J. Michael Morrow. When she looked at the picture, she kissed it. She explained that Emily and Mary had gotten her to walk again after a bad fall and hip injury. It became necessary for the nurses to bathe her in bed and she was so very grateful. When I turned the picture over, it was labeled: "Restorative Grad, 6-16-2016." Lena's courage helps her deal with whatever comes her way, even injuries that require long hours of therapy.

So, how did Lena meet a boyfriend back in those days? Lena met "J" Miller through a girlfriend. Lena and "J" enjoyed a long courtship. "J" became "Joe" to his Army buddies while he served his country in the Korean Conflict. When he came home on leave, he wanted to marry Lena; but, she chose to wait until his military service was over. She doesn't exactly remember the details; but, it was the custom at the time for the man to ask the father permission to marry his daughter. Lena is certain "J" asked her Dad for her hand in marriage and in a few months, the couple was honeymooning in Port Arthur, Texas. It was the farthest Lena had traveled from home. "J" had a brother, Francis, and his wife Merilla Miller, who lived in Port Arthur and, as that too was the custom, the newly married couple honeymooned with Francis and Merilla.

Tracy wrote this about her husband's aunt: "On May 2, 1953, she married Joseph Miller, called 'U.J.' at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Parks. She and U.J. lived next door to her parents in Parks." Tracy explains that the genealogy comes from two other members of the family. Lena's sister in law Grace, the wife of Steve, and, Lena's daughter Lisa Kaye have done a wonderful job researcing and writing stories about this close extended family.

Lena explains that she was petite and for her wedding, she chose a light blue suit which was purchased from La Parisienne on Jefferson Street in Lafayette. The suit did not open in the middle but was shaped in a large scallop on the left side and had many tiny buttons for a very special look. Her hat was the prettiest she had ever had. It fit Lena perfectly. Most hats were large on her head but her wedding hat was comfortable. There were many beautiful tiny white and pink flowers over the matching light blue hat. Lena is proud of the many compliments she received on her wedding day. She explained that the hat had cost almost as much as the suit.

With much enthusiasm, Lena recalled a trip to Nashville, Tennessee! Lena and three or four friends visited Nashville and had a wonderful time. She loves country music and in her lifetime, Lena loved to sing country music. That brought her great pleasure and she lights up just thinking about it.

Lena is a woman accustomed to hard work. Lena is the second child of Arista Frederick and Edia Guidry, farmers who knew all about hard work. Her parents planted cotton, potatoes, onions green beans and peppers. Lena remembers the long days sitting in the garage where the draft would carry the strong aroma of the peppers or onions so that her eyes would not burn. Lena and "J" continued the farming tradition as they earned their living and created a wonderful life.

Tracy shared that "Lena and U.J. had two children, Lonnie was born in 1956 and Lisa Kaye was born in 1962. She has one older sister, Verna, who passed away in 2014. She has four younger sisters and four younger brothers, one, "Floyd," is deceased. She grew up surrounded by her extended family." Lena's brother Luther lives in St. Martinville.

Lena explained that cooking was not something she was crazy about and she definitely does not like sandwiches! She said that she is sorry that she did not like to cook but she HAD to cook. Her family's custom was to share the cooking duties. Three sisters lived close to one another where one would prepare the meat, one prepared the rice, one the vegetable, and they brought dishes to their mother's home where they could eat together. Lena continues: "We didn't cook like that everyday but often. Now, Christmas meals were wonderful. My grandma, my mother's mother, cooked the best Christmas dinners I can remember. That dressings was so good. My mother and her mother were great cooks. and my mother was also great at sewing. I learned too. When I was pregnant, I sewed my maternity clothes of skirts and blouses. I sewed for my children. My family quilted too. I was always near my family and we did everything together. I miss the quilting and that life so much."

Lena especially enjoyed the days when her father and the men of the family buthered a hog. Lena says that food was the best to her! Her favorite. (Mine too.)

Lena's husband Joseph "J" Miller died in 2008.

Lena also has two grandchildren: Lacie and Brody; and, two great grandchildren: McKenna and Graham. The following collage shows several of Lena's family members.

Again, special thank you to Tracy Petit Frederick for her help with the Lena Frederick Miller Story. Lena loves Tracy and all of her genealogy work to capture the family history. Lena says that Tracy is so sweet. The book Tracy has written is a special treasure to Lena and she often wishes she had it with her at the nursing home. Tracy's book has all of the correct names of Lena's family and Lena is amazed that Tracy was able to do all the work to record her family history. Tracy gives the credit to Grace, Mrs. Steve Miller and Lisa Kaye Miller. It is their research that Tracy used to write a book about her husband's wonderful family. Thank you to all of you.

By: Betty Arnaud Roy on behalf of the Nonco Foundation

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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.