Obituary of Ella “Louise” Surprenant

Ella “Louise” Surprenant, beloved longtime resident of Watersong & Brennity, passed away 29 July, 2018 in the presence of God and her family.  She was known to all who knew her to be a kind, loving, & generous Wife, Mother & Friend.  She will be sorely missed. Louise was born 21 May, 1922 to Vernor Pelley & Marguerite Smith Pelley in Lynn, MA. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Elsie Halbick, brother Haywood, & half sister Patricia Watson. She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, J. Paul Surprenant; sons Christopher, Charles, Jeffrey, Phillip; daughter Joanie Michaels & daughter in law Beverly Surprenant; sister Joan Phillipon as well as 7 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren. She was strong. As a child, she endured the rigors of foster home living without ever losing her faith in God & humanity. She was a patriot. She enlisted in the US Navy in January 1943 over the strong objections of her Father & stepmother. The simple reason being that “someone in the Pelley family should serve.” She did that honorably. On 24 September, 1945 she met a just returned submarine sailor, J. Paul Surprenant in Washington DC. Her strength was about to be tested. They fell in love & married May 11, 1946 over her parents strenuous objections. They forsook her, a situation she endured for 2 years. The decision to make the military a career was arrived at together & Louise never wavered despite the hardships of little money, long separations, birthing & rearing her children, constant moves (6 states & 2 other countries). She remained steadfast in her devotion & dedication to her family. She loved & was loved. She was always fully supportive of her husband & his choice of career. She was beautiful but unaware of it. She was a loyal & trustworthy friend as well as a wonderfully kind & loving person. The world is a better place for having known our “Lulu”. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, 5655 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL at 10:00 AM 22 August, 2018 with a reception following. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to Hospice of Health First, 1131 W. New Haven, Suite 102 West Melbourne, FL 32904 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.