Dear Family and Friends of Olite Soileau,
What a lucky day for my family when Olite and Eval Soileau plus their children, Pat, Butch, and Charlie, moved one house down from the home of my parents on 5016 Lewis Drive in Port Arthur. I was eight or nine years old, and our time as neighbors was a very happy one. What wonderful neighbors and friends they were. I'll never forget watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II LIVE on their television. The Soileau's were one of the first families on the block to have a television and I was often graciously invited for a view. Little did I know then that the Soileau's do not forget their friends, because, even after they moved away, they remembered us. How I enjoyed reconnecting over the years by phone or personal visit. Mrs. Soileau was such a lovely, beautiful person of face, heart and soul that being with her was a joy. How I appreciated her help in 2005 when I lost my mother after Hurricane Rita. She was so supportive. It was just like Mrs. Soileau and her daughter, Pat, to make gumbo and potato salad for our family during that time of loss. Mrs. Soileau, who lost so many loved ones of her own, was always a model of strength, generosity, industriousness, and caring for others. She was an inspiration. I'll miss sending her birthday cards and receiving them from her. You see, we shared the same birthday, so that made remembering easy! My Dad and I will treasure the last card she sent us quite recently, which was a card to mark my Dad's 100th birthday. Her handwritten note is priceless. Rest in peace, dear Mrs. Soileau! My deepest condolences go to her family for this deep, personal loss. I feel like I have lost a part of my family, too. She was a very special lady.
Sandy Vaughan Merrifield
Tuesday, October 15, 2013