Melba Bechac Buchholz

With sadness, love, and profound gratitude, the family of Melba Bechac Buchholz announces her passing on Monday, April 18, 2022 of natural causes at the age of 87. Melba was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Ure Buchholz for 63 wonderful years. “His peach”. Devoted mother to Thomas Anthony "Tabby" Buchholz (Donna), Kirt Albert Buchholz (Laurie), Jeffrey Ure Buchholz (Maha), and her only daughter Lisa Ann Albrecht and the late Denis Corbett Buchholz. Grandmother of Rachael, Brittany, Lauren, Francesca, Isabelle, Noah, Abby, Zane, Corbett and the late Chad Michael Buchholz. Great-grandmother of Emma, Aubrey, Zachariah, Eli, Roman and Harlow LaBella. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Melba was born on January 14, 1935 in Mandeville, Louisiana to Azelie Verret Bechac and Albert Moise Bechac at their home that also housed the family restaurant, Bechac’s of Bechac’s Restaurant “Since 1885” on the Lakefront in Mandeville. Melba loved to share her wonderful stories of growing up in Mandeville with her parents, grandparents and her sister, Jeanne, and her brother, Denis. Melba attended boarding school at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington (where she was crowned “Ms. Covington” her senior year.) She received her degree in home economics from Southeastern University where she would also meet her future husband, Tommy. Growing up in the restaurant business, she became a wonderful cook herself sharing her recipes with family and friends. No one ever left her home hungry. Besides being a wonderful cook, she was an accomplished seamstress, opening up her own bridal shop in the 80s. Later in life she became a successful realtor with Latter and Blum and always maintained lifelong relationships with her clients. Melba was calm and serene in her Catholic faith and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Algiers. Melba was a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with her family, and will be profoundly missed by all.
Relatives and Friends of the Family, also employees of Latter and Blum, are invited to attend the Visitation at Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette St., Algiers, LA on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 8:30 AM until 10:15 AM. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3101 Eton St., Algiers, LA at 11 AM. Interment Mandeville Cemetery, Mandeville, LA. Flowers and Masses preferred. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.mothefunerals.com .