Anita (Nerta) Shinette, 99, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at home in her sleep. She was born January 28, 1909 to Mr. Clement and Maria Lewis in New Iberia, Louisiana. She resided most of her life in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Ms. Shinette was a lifelong Catholic who like many of the faithful traveled Sundays on foot from her North Lake Charles home to Sacred Heart Church. She was a pioneer and founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish where she faithfully attended daily Mass until poor health intervened. Ms. Shinette held membership in the Christian Mother Society and the KPC Knights and Ladies Auxiliary, Court 141. She loved her family and was a true elder of the community. She enjoyed listening to French music, cooking, baking, sewing and helping other.

Ms. Shinette leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Mildred LeBlanc and Gloria Jones; a son, Joseph Shinette; five grandchildren, Robert (Frances) LeBlanc and Anthony LeBlanc residents of Lake Charles, Anastasia (Tyrone) Burgess, George (Aariks) Jones and Jonathan (Devona) Jones; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and good friends.