Ellarose Carden

Published 3:57 pm Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Ellarose was born in Bogalusa, to William H. Sullivan Sr. and Ellarose Salmen Sullivan on June 20, 1924. Her father was the first mayor of Bogalusa and the general manager of the Great Southern Lumber Company. Her mother was the daughter of Fritz Salmen of Slidell. Due to the death of their parents at age 4, Ella and her dear brother, William H. “Bill” Sullivan, Jr. went to live in Slidell with their Swiss grandfather, Slidell industrialist Fritz Salmen. He implanted in them a strong love of God, family, and generosity — traits which neither ever forgot. After the death of their grandfather at age 10, they went to live with their uncle, Frederick Salmen, in New Orleans. These tragic events created a very strong and unique sibling relationship between Ella and Bill — one which lasted all their lives. We rejoice knowing Ella and Bill are together again.

She was a graduate of the Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans and Columbia University in New York. Ella was a managing partner of the Salmen Company until her retirement, chairperson of the Salmen Family Foundation, and a 20-plus-year volunteer at (and an avid supporter of) The Hospice of St Tammany. She was the recipient of the hospice’s Dove Award. Ella often said, “Hospice gave me far more than I ever gave it.” A very special “thank you” to her family members from The Hospice of St. Tammany and Forrest Manor — Ella loved all of you.

Ellarose and her brother’s Salmen Family Foundation have donated millions of dollars to charities, schools, churches, and organizations in St. Tammany and New Orleans to help improve lives within their community. She and her brother donated the land for the Salmen High School, the Salmen Boy Scout Camp, the First Baptist Church and other churches, parks, roads, and wildlife sanctuaries. She was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and truly enjoyed giving of her time, money, and processions — it was a driving force in her life. Just before she passed away, she confessed her faith in Jesus Christ.

Ella positively impacted many peoples’ lives with her strong personality, loving spirit, and generosity. Her only hobby was to bring laugher and enjoyment to people — and she was very good at it. To know Ella was to love Ella. She loved planning parties and was the life of any party.

She was married to Norton M. Lewis and Van R. Carden (both deceased). She has three children — son Frederick and wife Caroline, daughter Linda (deceased), and son Lee. She was blessed with four grand children — William and wife Brittany, Karl, Ellarose and husband Harley, and Jeffrey Thompson.

For many years, she was a fellow of the New Orleans Museum of Art and traveled extensively throughout the world with the group. She routinely studied art at universities in France, Spain, England, and Italy. She enjoyed art and was a collector. She enjoyed traveling and experiencing different cultures and foods. Her passports indicate she visited over 100 countries.

Ella did not want a traditional funeral service; rather, she requested a Bon Voyage Farewell — “I am just taking a trip to visit my family,” she said. Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Salmen Family Plot in Greenwood Cemetery, which is located at the corner of Guzman and Carey Streets in Old Slidell. Per her wishes, she will be buried at the feet of her mother and next to her daughter, Linda. In lieu of flowers, you can remember Ella in your prayers and by supporting your local hospice group.

Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign the guestbook.

Arrangements are by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., of Slidell.