Celeste C. Lortie

Celeste C. Lortie, 100 years old of New Haven, IN, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017 in The Millers Nursing Home located in Fort Wayne.

She was born on July 20, 1916 in Jackson Twp., Allen County the daughter of the late Frank V. Coonrod and the late Ernestine M. (Bonjour) Coonrod. Celeste was united in marriage with John B. Lortie on April 30, 1938 in the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2007.

She was a member of the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church.

Celeste enjoyed her role as a homemaker. In addition, she also was formerly employed with Patton Electric for 5 years, retiring in 1981. Prior to Patton, she also worked at New Haven Bakery for several years and Modern Cleaners in New Haven.

Celeste especially enjoyed baking cakes. She developed a tradition of providing cakes for all her children, grandchildren, priests, family, neighbors, and strangers. An expert in sewing, she made many comforters, pillowcases, and baby blankets for her family. She donated to funeral dinners over the years…with Texas Sheetcake being a constant. Being with her family was important as they gathered at her house for holidays and other times of celebration. In her spare time, she also managed a vegetable and flower garden and canned the fruits of her labor.

Surviving are her son, David B. (Judy) Lortie of Columbia City, IN; son, Thomas L. (Linda) Lortie of Woodburn, IN; son, Patrick M. (Terri) Lortie of Antwerp, OH; daughter, Linda E. Lee of South Whitley, IN; daughter, Janine C. (Daniel) Foellinger of Ft Wayne, IN; brother, Gilbert L Coonrod of Harlan, IN; 21 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Celeste in death was a son: John Francis Lortie; daughter: Victoria M. Kumfer; granddaughter: Beth Ann Donley; 2 brothers: Ross W. Coonrod and Elmer F. Coonrod; and a sister: Beatrice Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Celeste will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 in the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church with Father Ben Muhlenkamp officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel and one hour prior to Mass Wednesday in the church. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Masses or St. Louis Academy Building Fund.