The Life of Mary Elizabeth Allis
Mary Elizabeth LaCaze Allis died peacefully at home on May 9, 2009. She was 85. Raised in Oberlin, LA, where her father, Pierre LaCaze, was the county tax assessor in Allen Parish, she graduated from SLI (UL) in Lafayette and raised her family here with her late husband, Edward Phelps Allis IV, a landman. She was an SLI Red Jacket, a member of Tri-Sigma sorority, a member of the Junior League, L''Heure d''Amitie, and other service groups. She and Mr. Allis were active members of the Krewes of Troubadours, Gabriel and Attakapas, as well as members of the Petroleum and Oakbourne Clubs.
She had a big enthusiasm for antiques, politics, current events, gardening, bird watching and conversation. On trips, she never met a back road she didn''t take. She was a loyal friend to many who often surprised them in later years with her sharp memory and specific recall of their lives and their children''s lives. Like a true Southern Belle, she coddled memories and the past like precious camellias in fresh water. She loved dogs, all dogs, and one named Scruffy in particular. She nurtured her children, Tim and Shawn, with boundless attention, cajoling, encouragement, humor and unwavering love.
Survivors include her son Tim Allis and his partner Jeffery McCullough of New York City and Lafayette; daughter Shawn Allis Andersen and her husband Chris Andersen of Seattle; granddaughter Annaliese Andersen and grandson Miles Andersen; step-daughter Barbara Allis of Houston, step-grandson Scott Bass, step-granddaughter Robin Crook and her husband Shay, step-granddaughter Theresa Crowley and her husband John; step-son Bradford Allis and his wife Sybil of Lafayette; step-granddaughter Christian Meredith and her husband Chris; step-grandson Brady Allis and his wife Courtney; and step-granddaughters Stephanie Blue Daly and Jamie Blue Nelson. Step-great-grandchildren include Hannah Daly, Ashley and Lilly Meredith, and Sean and Sydney Crook.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Edward Phelps Allis, IV, and by her beloved parents Pierre LaCaze and Montrose Southern LaCaze of Lafayette; her dear sister Gloria LaCaze; her parents-in-law Edward Allis III and Josephine Allis of Milwaukee; and by an infant son, Todd.
Mrs. Allis treasured her loyal helpers of many years, Rosa Fusilier and Juanita Sam, and their enduring friendship. That devotion extended to dedicated longtime caregivers Dolores Sampy and Debra Morgan, and Phyllis Dalcour and Jeffie Welch, and her personal assistant Mercia Dahmer, all of whom kept her last years and days lively and fun. The family wishes to thank mom''s aids Lisa Boudoin and Sandra Watson, and Rebeca Gomez who made the flowers and mom''s spirits bloom all year long.
Thanks to Donna Vidrine, Lisa Caffery and everyone at Hospice of Acadiana for their comfort and expertise.
Services will be held at noon on Tuesday May 12 at the Church of the Ascension, 1030 Johnston St., conducted by the Rev Duane Peterson. There will be a visitation on Monday May 11 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, ph 800-227-2345, the American Lung Association at 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW Ste 800, Washington DC 20004, ph 800-586-4872 or Hospice of Acadiana at 2600 Johnston St Ste 200, Lafayette, LA 70503, ph 337-232-1234.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
