Della Margaret Borel

Della Margaret Ross Borel, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and teacher who touched the lives of many, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, in her hometown of Port Arthur, Texas. She was 87 years old.

In her youth, Margaret attended Saint James Elementary School and later graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1954. Born on August 1, 1936, in Port Arthur, Texas, Margaret was a beloved member of her community. Her vibrant spirit and friendly nature resonated with her peers as she was voted the most popular girl in her class every year while in high school. Margaret also served as a cheerleader and excelled in academics.

Margaret's passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling career in the Port Arthur School District, where she devoted twenty years to shaping young minds as a teacher. Her commitment and love for child development and education extended beyond the classroom as she further studied at Lamar College, graduating with Master’s Degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Margaret was not only a teacher but also a Certified Educational Diagnostician, enabling her to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs.

Margaret was a long-time parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Port Arthur, teaching catechism, leading the altar society and volunteering at the United Board of Missions for a number of years. Throughout her life, she remained actively involved with her family, finding joy in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished traveling, attending birthday celebrations and spending time playing bridge with friends.

Dedicated to both her profession and personal life, Margaret found balance in various interests. Her cheerful spirit and warm personality shone through in every aspect of her life. She was a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and treasured moments spent engaging with friends and family.

In addition to her professional accomplishments and community involvement, Margaret was the beloved wife of Mark Gerald Borel Sr. for sixty-eight years. Together they raised a beautiful family filled with love and laughter. Margaret is survived by her husband Mark G. Borel, Sr.; children, Mark G. Borel, Jr., Laurie Ann Borel Eldridge, Ross William Borel, Holly Kay Borel, Matthew Ethan Borel, and Brandy Lynn Borel Mouton; twelve grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Lillian (Trahan) Ross; father, Girault Beatty Wade Ross; siblings, Gerald Bernard Ross, Mildred Ross Nolan, Raymond Ross, June Louise Ross Hollier, and Nolan David Ross.

While mourning Margaret's passing deeply saddens those who knew her best, they take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she impacted during her remarkable journey on earth.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the rosary to be recited at 4:30 p.m., at Melancon Levingston in Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas. Rite of Committal will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. 

Serving as pallbearers for Margaret Borel include Cory Broussard, Christian Broussard, Roman Broussard, Ethan Borel, Tobey Lamey, Elisha Lamey, and Ralph Dupuy.

Margaret Ross Borel leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.