Lolette Knost Wittmann

Lolette Marie Knost Wittmann was born in El Paso, Texas on April 6, 1917 and left us on April 11, 2013 having just celebrated her 96th birthday. Lolette is survived by her daughter; Lolette (Lolita) Wittmann Welch, favorite son-in-law Ken; grandchildren, Christopher B Welch, Lynsey Welch Hatch and husband Neal, and Elizabeth M Welch; sister Imogene Knost Bittenbender, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own. Preceded in death by her husband of 37 years; Harry H. Wittmann; parents John Henry and Imogene Robertson Knost; sister J. Carol McClendon and brother John Henry (Jack) Knost. Special thank you to Portia and Chinetta, beloved companions. Lolette had a kind spirit with a lively way that made you want to be in her orbit--she jumped for Mardi Gras beads up into her 90’s. She was an athlete who excelled in many sports. Sailing brought her numerous trophies and accolades but she was more at ease with crewing than skippering. She shared her love of sailing with her late husband Harry, and her surviving cousin, Sr. Rosalie Ambler, all of whom are lifetime members of the Pass Christian Yacht Club. The Knost trophy was kept "all in the family" many times because Lolette and Rosalie exhibited the skills, tenacity, and stubborn competitive drive to persevere and succeed. Lolette also loved quieter pursuits, from gardening to cooking to watching old movies and star gazing. She was a great cook who enjoyed eating just as much as cooking. She was always the last to be seated and the last to leave the table. Her kitchen was the place to be. Lolette contributed to her community throughout her life and served in numerous capacities as she was always willing to lend herself; the Altar Society at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, the Pass Christian Garden Club and the Ladies Auxiliary at PCYC. Lolette was proud to serve as Queen Neptune at PCYC and 1940 Queen Christiana of St Paul’s Carnival Organization. She bestowed all with a cheerfulness and joie de vivre that can’t be measured but will certainly be missed. Lolette was old but never an old lady. She was spry and interested, warm and flirty, a fun instigator, and had a song for everything. She was an athlete but never a tomboy, contemporary yet classic at the same time. She rode bikes and loved peonies, but most of all, she was the matriarch of her clan. Her daughter, Lolita, and family from far and wide will mourn Lolette’s passing but will cherish the memories and are grateful that we shared this earth with her. In the words of Lolette, Hasta Manana. Family and friends may visit at Lolette’s home, 132 Davis Avenue, from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday evening April 18, 2013 with the Rosary recited at 7pm. Friday, April 19, 2013 visitation will be at Holy Family Church from 10 to 11am followed by Mass, and burial in Live Oak Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com