Marie Ernestine Springer

Ernestine Ellender Springer, born July 19,1937 in Houma, Louisiana, died March 29th at the age of 82, peacefully at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, teacher, friend, and volunteer. Her death follows a long battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her four children: Lawrence J. Springer Jr. (Dell), Dr. Michael A. Springer (Vicki), Dr. Amy Springer,  and Kathleen Springer Stukenborg (Steve), nine grandchildren: Dr. Elise Springer (fiancé Seth Brown), Matthew Springer (Caitlin), Jeffrey Springer (Brittany), Andrew Springer (Michelle), Addison LeBouef (Tanner), Mia Springer, Anna Stukenborg, Rachel Stukenborg, and Joshua Stukenborg as well as three great-grandsons, Wakefield and Royce LeBouef and Jackson Springer. She is also survived by her siblings, Dr. Stephen Ernest (SE) Ellender Jr. (Sandra), Jane Ellender Rabalais, Anne Ellender Phillips, and Robert Ellender, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Lawrence Joseph Springer who passed away just over a year ago on their 59th wedding anniversary. Also preceding her in death are her parents: Ernestine Boudreaux Ellender and Dr. S. Ernest Ellender Sr.; her siblings Stephanie E. Maud and Van Ellender; and brother-in-laws Dr. Philip Rabalais and Morris Phillips. Ernestine was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School in Houma, Louisiana, and Loretta Heights College in Denver with a degree in Music.  For several years while her children were young, she was the kindergarten music teacher at the Academy of Sacred Heart before becoming a dedicated homemaker.  For many years she played the piano or organ at masses and rosaries at the John J. Hainkel Home and St. Francis of Assisi School. She was a member of the Orleans Club, Culture Club, co-chair for the Encore Shop benefiting the New Orleans Symphony for several years, and a member of the Cadenzas, a group of female musicians who performed annual recitals for their organization. She enjoyed playing the piano as well as composing songs and hymns. She filled the house with music every day. For years, she was the morning coordinator for the Holy Name of Jesus Perpetual Adoration Chapel and was instrumental in assembling adorers at the Adoration Chapel as people slowly returned to New Orleans after Katrina. She and her husband were both awarded the Order of St. Louis Medal honoring the contribution of their time and talent within the Catholic community. Ernestine’s delight and skill at auctions and estate sales made Saturday the best day of the week. Many a child and grandchild would join her in her expeditions. She loved finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. These treasures all hold, and will continue to hold, a special place in our hearts. Ernestine made the world a happier and more hopeful place, and all are better off for having had the good fortune of knowing her.
 In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the following charities: Louisiana Bucket Brigade (https://louisiana-bucket-brigade.networkforgood.com/)
Poor Clare Nuns (www.poorclarenuns.com) Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, New Orleans (www.hnjchurch.org) St Rita Catholic Church, New Orleans (http://www.stritanola.com/give) ARRANGEMENTS BY JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 CANAL STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70119. To sign and view the family guest book please visit www.schoenfh.com.

 

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