Esther Tomplait

Esther Elizondo Tomplait, 72, of Port Acres passed away January 9, 2011 at home, surrounded by her family. Born on April 6, 1938 in Louise, Texas, she was the daughter of Pete and Susie Vann Elizondo. Esther was a longtime member of St. Therese, The Little Flower Catholic Church and was a member of the Altar Society. She was a Little Flower CYO advisor from 1972 to 1980 and was honored with the For God and Youth award. Esther was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3195 KCEttes Ladies Auxiliary.Esther spent most of her life caring for others while being a devoted wife and mother. In her early years, she worked as a nurse39s aide at Gaspard39s Nursing Home and in her spare time gave private care to family members and many dear friends. She was also employed by pediatrician Dr. Ben Colletti for 8 years. In recent years, she could be found wherever her grandchildren were. She took pride in being the homeroom grandma at their schools and enjoyed cheering from the stands at their sporting events. She became quotMaw Mawquot to all who knew her. She will always be remembered for her generous, loving heart and her famous burritos and carrot cakes.She leaves behind her devoted husband of 50 years, James Tomplait, Sr., son James quotJimmyquot Tomplait, Jr. and wife Toni, son, John Tomplait and wife Cindi, and daughter, Andrea TomplaitHart, all of Port Acres. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard Elizondo of Port Arthur, Albert Elizondo of Port Arthur, and Marcus Elizondo of Vidor. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Henry Elizondo and Joe Elizondo, and her sister, Susie Elizondo DeLeon. She also leaves behind six adoring grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.Serving as pallbearers will be Trey Hart, Dalton hart, Gerald DeLeon, Vince Tomplait, George Elizondo, and Churck Elizondo.A gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 p.m. at Melancon39s Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H in Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Port Acres with Rev. Rejimon George serving as celebrant. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.Memorial Donations may be made to Southeast Texas Hospice or Little Flower Catholic Church.