In Memoriam: Sallie Engels Nijoka

Sallie Engels Nijoka: Central mother of 16 children, 43 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild

It is with great sadness we share the loss of our mother who passed away at home on Saturday, April 9 at 12:05 a.m. surrounded by her loving family and is finally at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Leo.  Sallie was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana on October 8, 1922.  She graduated from Baker High School and Baton Rouge Business College.  Her early career consisted of work as a medical secretary at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and then a later position as a secretary and bookkeeper at Consolidated Chemicals in Baton Rouge where she met the love of her life, Leo A. Nijoka of Chicago, Illinois.  They married in 1945 and resided in many areas of the country before settling near her family in Baker, LA.  In 1964, they made a final move to the community of Central where they raised their 15 children. Sallie was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. She and Leo were two of the first parishioners who were totally committed to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after the 6:30 a.m. Monday morning mass.She was a former secretary to the Parish Council, a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Homebound Ministry, the Catholic Daughters of America Court #1915 and the Ladies Altar Society.  She devoted her life to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who came in contact with her. She loved to feed whoever came through the door and will be remembered for her homemade yeast rolls, coffee rings and cabbage rolls.  Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of sampling them always looked forward to more.  They were made with true love; which no one could duplicate, although many have tried. 

Visitation was Tuesday, April 12 at St Alphonsus Catholic Church officiated by Father Thomas P. Duhe, Father Michael Moroney, Deacon Phil BeJeaux, Deacon Robert Kusch, and Brother Clement Furno.  Entombment at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Mausoleum next to her husband and son.

She is survived by six daughters and sons-in-law:  Mary Ann and Darrell Kennedy of Dallas, Texas, Monica and Steven Winkler of Baton Rouge, Priscilla and Barry Arceneaux of Denham Springs, Debbie and Tom Feltman of Central, Sally Ann and Gary Henson of Greenwell Springs, Sandy and Eddie Martin of Springfield. Nine sons and daughters-in law:  Lee Al and Marilyn Shepard Nijoka of Baton Rouge, Donald and Sandy Pike Nijoka of Denham Springs, Glenn and Becky Tullos Nijoka, Rod and Susan Landry Nijoka, Barry and Frances Ruffino Nijoka, Garry and Debbie Herpin Nijoka, Chris and Kim Lively Nijoka, all of Central; Art and Tina Buller Nijoka of Greenwell Springs and Dale and Elizabeth Lucero Nijoka of Houston, Texas. Two sisters: Mrs. Wendell (Julia) Watts of Baker, Mrs. William (Mae) Hall of Galveston, TX. Two brothers Thomas Marionneaux Engels of Zachary and James Henry Engels of Baker.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Leo A. Nijoka; son, Paul Duane Nijoka; granddaughter, Jewel Ann Nijoka; great-grandson, Braden Babin. Her parents, Myrtis Marionneaux and Joseph Arthur Engels. Four brothers: Reverend Eugene Ray Engels, Theon Charles Engels, Frederick Gerard Engels, Joseph Arthur Engels, Jr. and John Bertram Engels and one sister, Mrs. Dalton (Anna) Babin.

Our mother’s life was devoted to her family and she will remain forever in our hearts.  Rest in peace, Mom!  We love you!