It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beautiful, beloved wife and mother Melba L. Houvenaeghel, who went home to the Lord on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Melba was born on June 11, 1937, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia to Dr. Jose Ortiz Aponte, Supreme Court Justice for the court of Bolivia in Sucre and Sara Bello Jimenez de Ortiz Aponte, an elementary school educator.

A friend to many, she was a cherished member of the community, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and grace.

She moved to the United States in the fall of 1963.  Not long after, she met the man who would be her husband for 60 years in Lafayette, Louisiana.  From there they built a beautiful life that would eventually land them in Slidell where she spent the last 57 years.

Melba had a passion for helping others via community service, volunteer work and philanthropy which brought joy to those around her.  One of her proudest accomplishments is that she was a founding member of the Slidell Foreign Born Wives Club that brought women from all over the globe together for civic duty, service, and friendship.  She adored traveling, shopping trips and lived for visits to Chicos and the Loft where everybody knew her name!  Her favorite events included Mardi Gras season balls and social activities such as Bubbly on the Bayou.

She is survived by her loving husband, Emil Louis Houvenaeghel, her children Gina (Rich), Debbie (Frank) and Louis.  She was "Mama Lou" to 5 grandsons Todd (Kate), Justin (Lindsay), Zackary (Grace), James (Hannah) and Tanner.  She was also blessed with 9 precious great grandchildren Clark, Jack, Harrison, Mollie, Grace, Barrett, Jhett, Gritt and Owen as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was enchanted by her sweet grand dog Tiffany who was her faithful, vigilant companion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dr. Jose Ortiz Bello (Josefina), her sister Sarita Ortiz Clough (Lynn).

In this time of grief and loss let us all remember how she touched our lives and the joy and laughter that always surrounded her.  She will be greatly missed, but we can rejoice that she is home again with her heavenly family.

A Catholic Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life to honor her beautiful legacy will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 58203 LA – 433, Slidell, LA. 70460. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to World Venture, a faith-based organization that Melba has supported for many years through her grandson Justin and his family who serve in Japan.  Donations can be made online at https://worldventure.com/pworker/4000-215-mitchell-justin-and-lindsay/

Or you may send a check to:  World Venture, 20 Inverness Pl E, Englewood, CO 80112-5622.  Please indicate: Justin Mitchell - 4000-215" on the memo line.

Donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital may also be considered, as Melba also avidly supported them throughout the years.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.