Edith V. Demourelle

Edith Vigne Demourelle, at the amazing age of 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday June 10, 2018 at 6:45 p.m. She was the only child of Ethel Benjamin Vigne and Arthur A. Vigne, and a life-long resident of New Orleans, Louisiana. Edith was baptized into the Catholic faith at Corpus Christi Church where she faithfully attended services throughout her life. She attended Corpus Christi Elementary School and later graduated from McDonogh #35 High School. She completed her education at Straights Business School where she excelled at her studies. Upon graduation, Edith began her career in education administration at Xavier University and worked there for several years. Upon leaving Xavier, she took a position at Booker T. Washington Sr. High School helping run one the city’s largest and most dynamic public high schools. There, she was affectionately known as “Ms. D” by students and faculty alike. She retired from the New Orleans School Board after 27 years of outstanding service. Retirement did not slow her down as she soon joined the staff of the Benjamin’s School of Dance as their meticulous and tireless studio secretary, who was known to work until the job was perfectly done. In 1954, Edith married Army Sargent Albert D. Demourelle. From their union came two daughters, Donna Marie and Leslie Ann. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother. She was also a loving and nurturing grandmother to her first grandchild Uriah Albert Wells, an often traveled to Chicago to shower affection upon her twin grandchildren McKenzie Margaret Washington and Edward Arthur Washington, III. Edith was active in several social and service clubs including Just Us Gals and The Liebchens, each well known for hosting annual galas and costume balls that were the talk of the town. Always known for her style, “Ms. D” loved fashion and jewelry. She always wore stylish apparel in vivid colors as bright and sparkling as her personality. She often added a personal touch by way of her outstanding design and sewing talents, creating everything from elegant evening wear to award-winning Mardi Gras costumes. One of her greatest joys was seeing the world. And with an adventurous spirit, Edith delighted in traveling to exotic international destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, London and Paris, and exciting domestic escapes like Alaska, Hawaii and numerous ski trips with the Sno-Gophers Ski Club of Chicago. “Ms. D” never met a stranger. Continuing a legacy handed down from her parents, she loved to host gatherings at her house for celebrations or just to get together with family and friends. While New Orleans was always home-base, Chicago became a second home for Edith, as she developed many strong friendships during her frequent visits to the grandchildren. She had an outgoing and jovial personality, and most who met her described her as a stylish and sweet lady. She was preceded in death by her parents Ethel and Arthur Vigne, husband Albert D. Demourelle, sisters-in-law Vivian Prograis and Aurelia Dionne and cousins Arnold F. Benjamin Jr., Alvin Benjamin Sr. Velma Benjamin, Helena Benjamin and Kirt Benjamin (Cheryl). Her legacy will live on through her loving daughters Donna Demourelle Wells, and Leslie Demourelle Washington (Judge Edward Washington, II), grandchildren Uriah “Butch” Albert Wells, McKenzie Washington and Edward Washington, III. She leaves to cherish her memory her in-laws of Chicago Ada Washington (Chicago, IL), Yvonne Charles (Michael, Chicago, IL), Yvette Washington (Chicago, IL) and Edye Washington (Chicgo, IL) and Yvette Washington, caregiver Vennia Dotson (Chicago, IL), her devoted cousins Gary Benjamin, Sr., Wendy Benjamin White (Lawrence), Gary Benjamin, Jr. (Nicole), Alvin Benjamin, Jr. (Belinda), Faye Benjamin Gilds, Jill Benjamin, Troy Benjamin (Shelita), Karen Spooner, Wayne Benjamin, Jr. (LaTasha), Kimberly Benjamin Brown (Melvin), Jewel Benjamin, Great Aunt Lucille Benjamin, cousins Derek Prograis (Terry), Merle Prograis Grainyard (Russell), and a host of other relatives and life-long friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also Priest and Parishioners of Corpus Christi Epiphany Catholic Church are invited to attend A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Corpus Christi Epiphany Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Ave. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences.