Ella Rose Voelkel

Ella Rose Voelkel passed away on January 4, 2021 surrounded by her beloved pets. She was 73. Ella was born and reared in New Orleans, her home until her retirement in 2001. She was a 1965 graduate of Sacred Heart High School (Canal Street) and obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from the University of New Orleans. Her professional career was spent entirely with the New Orleans Public School System, where she initially taught English/Language Arts at Phillips Junior High. Ella then moved into an administrative position as the Director of Personnel until her retirement in 2001. Ella, who loved children and animals, was an excellent teacher, and the beloved coach of the Goretti Park girls’ softball team. Although Ella never married, or had children of her own, she was the devoted and loving godmother of Dr. Ezekiel (Zeke) Wetzel and Zachary (Zach) Wetzel, who are like sons to her. Her concern and caring for animals led her to Natchitoches to study Veterinary Technology at the (then) Northwestern State University. As a result, she became involved with, and eventually an officer in, the Natchitoches “Hope for Paws”. That organization’s mission is to protect abused, injured and abandoned dogs. This naturally led to her adopting many – and a few other animals as well! Ella Rose Voelkel was the only child of Frederick and Louise Reich Voelkel who preceded her in death. She is sadly missed by her godsons and their mother, Jamie Barker, as well as other lifelong friends and professional associates. Her remains will be returned to New Orleans, where a memorial will be held at a future date.