Inez Drachenberg Lilly

Inez D. Lilly, age 89 years, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2014 in New Orleans, LA. She was born in Houston, TX, raised in Plaquemines Parish, LA and resided in Algiers, LA for 60 years. Inez was a first generation American on her father’s side with the Drachenbergs emigrating from the German Ukraine. As a young woman, Inez worked offshore as a secretary at the Grand Ecaille sulphur mine. This is where Inez met her husband. In later life, she was a longtime employee at Edna Karr Junior High School in Algiers.
Inez was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, A.A.R.P., Retired Teachers Association and was active in several bridge clubs. She and her friends loved international travel, making 30 trips abroad with the Foreign Study League. Inez was also a breast cancer survivor and an inspiration to many.
Surviving family includes a daughter, Eleanor Bouy of Lafayette, LA and a son, Tracy Vallette Lilly of New Orleans, LA. Grandchildren include John and Brooks Bouy of Lafayette and Elizabeth, Ellen and Linda Lilly of New Orleans. Inez also had one sister, JoAnn Beam and her husband, Jim of Lake Charles and their children, Jamie Fiero and Bryan Beam. Inez’s cherished best friends, Shirley Akers, Linda Schiro, Noella Black and Audrey Ezzo survive her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tracy Vallette Lilly; parents, William and Myrtle Simmons Drachenberg and one brother, William Drachenberg.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Inez’s caregivers: Laurie Olivier, Nancy Scott and the staff of St. Margaret’s Hospice for their care and compassion.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 12 Noon to 2 PM. Services will follow. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .