Carolyn Rita Pellerin

Carolyn S. Pellerin entered eternal peace on Saturday, August 8, 2020. She is the wife of the late Spellman F. “Poochie” Pellerin. Married for almost 25 years, they raised their young family of six children. Carolyn and her family were residents of Harahan, Louisiana for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicolo R. “Nick” Saluto and Mercedes Galiano Saluto; and her siblings: Annie S. LeBourgeois (late August), Taylor Saluto (Fran), Russell Saluto (late Pat), Betty S. Schouest (late Alex), Ruth S. Breaux (late Studdy) and Ruby S. Landrum (Rodney). She is survived by her children: Lisa P. Wilson, Spellman Pellerin Jr. (Donna), David Pellerin (late Pam), Gayle Pellerin (Marsha), Nicholas "Nicky" Pellerin (Noreen) and John Pellerin (Arlene); her grandchildren: Christine W. Glaudi (Neal), Amy W. Weindel (Thomas), Rebecca W. Galatas (C J), Victoria P. DeRoche (Joshua), Angelle P. Hayes (Tanner), Spellman Pellerin III, Michael and Monique Pellerin, Nicholas Jr and Anthony Pellerin, Ashley and John “Jake” Pellerin Jr.; five great-grandchildren (with another one on the way) along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Carolyn was the godmother of Cindy B. Aucoin, Ada Landrum and Stephanie Swift. Carolyn’s true calling was her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She lived every day not only for her immediate family, additionally her love extended to her six Saluto siblings and their spouses, otherwise known as the “Outlaws”. She additionally had such love for her nine Pellerin in-laws and their spouses as well. At age 42, God gave her the strength to raise her children, mostly all teenagers, by herself, after losing the love of her life, “Poochie”. With the love and support of family and friends she took charge. And that she did! An essential task at hand was to become for the first time in her life a businesswoman in the workplace. Carolyn took her husband’s place as the new partner in an established BF Goodrich tire dealership and automotive business known as Suburban Tire.
Continuing in the workforce, she started working at the bingo hall, The Napoleon Room, by getting it ready for the next day/night of bingos. Then one cold, brisk morning at the age of 74 and many requests later by her children, she decided to retire. No matter her age, Carolyn was always the life of the party. Her vibrant smile was contagious to all. No matter the occasion, Carolyn loved to dance and oftentimes she would easily get you up by the hand to join her. She loved playing Pokeno with the “Girls”, a fun group of women from the Westbank, that gathered monthly. At Christmas each year they celebrated their gathering by going out to eat at a fancy restaurant in New Orleans. In her earlier years, she and her Pellerin sisters-in-laws would gather every Friday night for a “Booray” card game or bowling in a league at Colonial Bowling Lanes. Additionally, Carolyn enjoyed working on many St. Joseph altars at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Westwego, LA and many family St. Joseph altars over the years. She loved making the Italian cookies, cooking the meatless spaghetti gravy, Italian green bean casseroles and serving many plates of food to all who attended. Because she loved to cook,
her infamous meatballs and gravy seemed to multiply during the many family gatherings. There was always enough to eat for everyone and surprisingly there were always leftovers. Carolyn was a club member of the New Orleans Power Boat Association Ladies Auxiliary back in the ‘60s. She so enjoyed the many activities the ladies did like playing Bunko, having picnics for all the members’ families and assisting the men’s NOPBA group for the many boat races held in the regional areas. Her love for the New Orleans Saints was evident from day one. She was a season ticket holder starting in 1967 and enjoyed every game in Tulane stadium and the Superdome. She even had a foam brick to throw at the TV from time to time. What an avid fan she was! In 2010, when the Saints won the Super Bowl, she had access to the grounds to be close and up front to the players and coaches upon their return. She got to touch the Lombardi trophy. Best yet, upon leaving the airport her vehicle was directed to follow the same route the players driving out the airport would be taking. Thus she got to be in the parade of cars with the players being welcomed home by the thousands of fans. She had the Saints music blaring loud with an open sunroof and just dancing in her seat. What an experience for such a loving and happy person!
RIP Sweet Carolyn. The family would like to extend special thanks to Ormond Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, St. Catherine Hospice and Carolyn’s personal caregivers, Sandra, Trudy and Cathy. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at St. Agnes Church, 3310 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana 70121 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow immediately thereafter in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana 70001. To offer condolences or send flowers please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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