Ellen Bonis

Ellen Pierre Bonis passed March 26, 2017, at the age of 93. Ellen was born in New Orleans, graduated from McMain School and then attended art school. She completed art school and became an accomplished commercial artist specializing in the fashion industry. Ellen was the artist for fashion ads appearing in the Times-Picayune for stores such as Gus Mayer, Kreeger & Godchaux’s. She also was an artist for Sans Souci lingerie catalogs for several years. Ellen was a devout Catholic and attended mass every day at churches throughout the Metairie area. She loved to dance and frequented the Jefferson-Orleans in Metairie on Wednesdays and Sundays. She looked forward to football season and watched Saints games every Sunday. Ellen was a glamorous lady. She was the epitome of sophistication and class. Even at age 93 she was dressed in the latest fashion, her hair beautifully done and full make-up every day. She had vigor in her step and when she walked into a room she owned it. Even into her 90’s she had a thirst for knowledge and learning new things. Her heart and soul were young and she was beautiful inside and out. Her smile was electric and her conversations were always stimulating and entertaining. She touched so many people and was an inspiration to even more. The world will never be the same without Ellen, but she has left us with so many wonderful and entertaining stories for us to pass on to other generations. She is greatly missed by family and friends. Her parents were Maxwell Pierre and Gertrude Gill Pierre. She was preceded by her sister Gertrude (Trudy) Pierre Tortorich. Married to the late Mark Bonis, she has two surviving children Marc P. Bonis (Darlene) and Michelle Bonis Thompson (Raymond). Surviving grandchildren are Gabrielle Bonis Morris, Mark Edward Bonis (Rebecca) and Jessica Michelle Thompson. Surviving great grandchildren are Isabelle Morris, Brynn and Blake Bonis. Also survived by her loving nieces, Lynn Tortorich Ketchum and Mary Anne Tortorich Burst. Ellen’s ashes were laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by family. In memory of Ellen, prayers or masses would be appreciated.

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Ellen Bonis

August 29, 1923 - March 26, 2017