Ernestine Balius Bellande

Mrs. Ernestine Balius Bellande, age 98, of Biloxi, MS., died Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in Biloxi, MS. Mrs. Bellande was born in Biloxi, MS., on April 23, 1907. She lived in Flint, Michigan for six years during World War II and returned to Biloxi in 1946. Mrs. Bellande worked during the 1950's at "South Central Bell Attendant Center" at Keesler Air Force Base to assist military personnel in making long distance telephone calls. She continued working for South Central Bell and retired in 1972 with 35 years of service with the title of Night Chief Operator. Mrs. Bellande was a member of and attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. She was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, member of the Woodsmen of the World, member of the Pilot Club, and the Biloxi Doll and Toy Fund. Mrs. Bellande was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elliott (Pete) Bellande, daughter, Margaret V. Schneider, parents, Ernest and Pauline Bellande, eight brothers, Ernest Balius, Jr., Edward Balius, Albert Balius, Henry Balius, Freddie Balius, Floyd Balius, Paul Balius, Louis Balius, and three sisters, Juliet Broughton , Lillie Mae Noble and Melba Balius. She is survived by her daughter, Alice Dubaz and husband, John B. Dubaz, grandson, Joseph Schneider, and numerous nieces and nephews. On Friday, May 20, 2005, there will be a 1:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul, c/o Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 314 Jim Money Rd., Biloxi, MS. 39531. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.