Nelda Mary Doucet McManus passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023, at the age of 84. She was a lifelong resident of Westlake and a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

Nelda’s most cherished source of pride was her family, and her life was dedicated to nurturing them. She was a world traveler and found joy in gardening and cooking for her family.

Throughout the region, Nelda will be remembered as the host of the iconic Halloween House in Westlake, a tradition that brought endless joy and spookiness to countless children and families over the years.

In 1961, Nelda played a pivotal role in helping her husband, Robert “Bob” McManus, establish his State Farm Agency. Her support was instrumental to its growth and success.

Nelda also served as a City Council Member for the City of Westlake and on the planning committee for the Westlake golf course.  As the longtime buyer for Mary William & Company boutique, Nelda showcased her impeccable fashion sense and refined taste, radiating style and elegance wherever she went.

Christmas held a special place in Nelda’s heart, as she meticulously planned and hosted family gatherings.  Playing cards with friends was a time for laughter and camaraderie. She also loved watching the Saints and LSU sports at the home of her son and traveling to visit loved ones in Oakdale, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

Nelda took immense pride in her Cajun roots, evident in her deep connection to Cajun music.

She found serenity in spending time in Orange Beach, where she could relax and revel in the beauty of the coastal landscape.

Nelda McManus was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” McManus, her parents, Mamie and Paulus Doucet and her siblings Houston, George, and Wilridge Doucet, and Vercie Doucet Wilkins. 

She leaves behind her children: Scott McManus and Liz, Wade McManus and Dawn, Jane McManus Schoen, and Susan McManus Ellis and Mike. Her grandchildren: Emily McManus, Evan McManus, Katie McManus Heath, Brad Schoen, Hunter Schoen, Drew Schoen, Sean McManus, Mollye McManus, Sadie McManus, Chase White, Jade White Cary, and her adopted grandson, Christian Clausen. Great-grandchildren: Scarlet, Georgia, Darcy, Reagan, Parker, Thomas, and Harper.

Nelda will also be missed by a very special person who enriched her life for 28 years, T.J. Davis of Oakdale, and formerly Westlake. Nelda enjoyed time with T.J. and embraced his family as her own: Mary Davis McMinn, Cathy Davis Garner and Monroe, Tommy Davis and Marianne, Joel Davis and Jenny, Mike Davis and Shannon, and John Davis and Sarah, along with TJ’s many grandchildren.

Visitation is at Hixson Funeral Home, 3001 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA, Monday, September 4, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Time will be set aside for sharing stories and memories. Visitation will resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the funeral home.  

Funeral service will begin at Noon on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in the Chapel of Peace at J.E. Hixson Funeral Home, 3001 Ryan St., Lake Charles. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake. 

The family prefers donations to the Robert McManus Scholarship Fund through the McNeese State University Foundation (337) 475-5588.