Marie "Nellie" Hebert Thomassie

Marie Hebert Thomassie, affectionately known as "Nellie" to all who loved her, was born on August 10, 1917 and baptized into the Catholic faith two days later. A native of Thibodaux and a resident of Marrero since 1925, Nellie passed from this world on November 17, 2004, at the age of 87.

It was in Marrero that Nellie planted deep roots of faith, family, and service. It was there she met the love of her life, Earl Thomassie, and in October 1947, the two were united in holy matrimony at Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero — the parish that would remain the spiritual home of her heart for the rest of her life.

A member of the Altar Society at Immaculate Conception, Nellie gave herself generously to her parish community, serving quietly and faithfully in the way that so many great Catholic women have — not seeking recognition, but offering everything to God.

She was equally devoted to passing the faith on to her six children. Though financial circumstances meant some attended the parish school and others the public school nearby, Nellie made certain it made no difference where it counted most. All six children received the full sacraments, and all knew — from a young age — what it meant to live their Catholic faith as a family. On Friday afternoons during Lent, Nellie's instruction was firm and loving: do not take the bus home. Walk to the church instead, and meet her for the Way of the Cross. That short walk past the bus stop was, for her children, one of the earliest and most lasting lessons in what it means to follow Christ.

Her sense of service extended far beyond the walls of the church. In honor and support of her husband Earl's service to this country during World War II, Nellie became a steadfast member of the AMVETS Auxiliary and was also active in the VFW, joining the countless wives, mothers, and daughters of that generation who understood that supporting veterans was itself a form of patriotism and love. Long after Earl's passing in 1982, Nellie continued showing up — faithfully, without fanfare — to serve her fellow veterans and their families. Her daughters walked beside her at those meetings and events until Nellie's health no longer allowed, a testament to the kind of mother she was: one whose example was worth following.

That spirit of service was never kept to herself. Nellie drew her six children — and eventually her grandchildren — into a life of giving, instilling in them from a young age the understanding that love is not merely felt, but lived. The evidence of that formation is visible in the lives her family continues to lead today.

Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alphonse Hebert and Azelie Ordoyne Hebert; her husband, Earl Thomassie Sr.; her sons David and Earl Thomassie Jr.; her sister, Mildred Hebert Richardson (Carl); and her cherished sister-in-law, Essie Thomassie d'Aquin. Her son Michael Henry Thomassie, whose passing occurred on August 10, 2026 — the 109th anniversary of his mother's birth — now joins her in the company of those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.

At the time of her passing, Nellie was also survived by her beloved siblings Elmo Hebert (Mae) and Anna Mae Hebert Bezner (Joe); her husband's siblings Woodrow Thomassie, Margie Thomassie Barrios, and Leon Thomassie - all of whom have since gone to their eternal rest. Her family members through marriage remained a source of joy and connection throughout her long life. She is survived by her daughters Elaine Thomassie Lesnak, Linda Thomassie, and Valerie Thomassie; her granddaughter Arvella Lesnak and grandson Max Lesnak; her great-grandson Ryan Lesnak; her great-granddaughter Elaine A. Lesnak, her former daughter-in-law Mary Hebert, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A joint Funeral Mass will be offered for Marie "Nellie" Hebert Thomassie and her beloved son, Michael, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 4401 Seventh Street, Marrero, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the time of Mass. All who knew and loved them are invited to attend. The Rite of Committal and burial of both will follow at Restlawn Park Cemetery, 3540 Hwy 90, Avondale, La.