About Us

Mary Ellen Fondel Semien was a founding member of Semien-Lewis Mortuary and served as its President, Manager, and Licensed Funeral Director.   Mrs. Semien along with her husband, Antoine Semien Sr. were the Co-Founders of Semien-Lewis Mortuary, LLC in 2009.  She also served as a Funeral Director with her family owned Funeral Home, Fondel Memorial Chapel for over 35 years and was a narrator for the Rosa Fondel Spiritual Program sponsored live each Sunday morning for 36 years.  Mary Ellen was the first black registered nurse in the Surgical Department at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and later served as an assistant to former Lake Charles Mayor, Randy Roach.  Mary Ellen was a Licensed Funeral Director for 51 years, a Notary Public, Licensed Florist, a Lyric Soprano, a Community Leader, a Political Activist, and an Entrepreneur.  She was a 1955 graduate of the historical W. O. Boston High School, 1956 graduate of Oakwood College in Pre-Nursing, 1958 graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City General Hospital School of Nursing, Most importantly, she was a servant of God, her church at both the district and state level.

Mrs. Semien entered into eternal rest on September 14, 2020 at the age of 85.  Her motto was, "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."

I am Gwendolyn Semien, the daughter of the late Antoine and Mary Ellen Fondel Semien. I am a graduate of Lake Charles High School and Southern University with a major in Business Management. I retired from the Calcasieu Parish Assessories Office as a Certified Deputy Assessor after 33 years of employment. I also worked for Dillard’s for 8 years. I am active member of Southern University Alumni Association and National Association of University Women Inc where I hold the position of Treasurer for the past 3 years. I am a member of New Covenant Baptist Church.  I am the proud mother of 3 children Jessica, Tiffany, and Joshua and grandmother of 5 and great-grandmother of 1. I  enjoy spending time with my grandkids, watching tv, and shopping.

Antoine Semien, Sr., 93, affectionately known as “Pop,” was called from earthly labor to heavenly reward on February 25, 2021.  He was the co-founder along with his wife Mary Ellen Fondel-Semien of Semien-Lewis Mortuary, LLC in 2009.  He managed the overall physical plant and fleet of the Mortuary.  Antoine was a native of Opelousas, LA and lived most of his life in Lake Charles, LA.  During the past thirteen years, he resided in Jennings, LA.  . 

Antoine Sr. was born on April 30, 1927, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to the late Frank (Francios) Semien, Sr. and Mary Esprit Semien.  He was baptized on June 4, 1927 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA and later united with Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA., pastored by Father Wayne LeBleu.

After completing his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on a Battle Ship during World War II.  Antoine earned the rank of Steward’s Mate 2nd Class (StM2c).  He was a proud Naval Veteran and occasionally told stories of the different battles that were encountered.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in June of 1946, he returned home to Opelousas, LA. and later relocated to Lake Charles, LA. to work in the Petrochemical Industry. 

Antoine Sr. entered into Holy Matrimony with Mary Lee Pete and to that union, two children were born, Gwendolyn Ann Semien and Antoine Semien, Jr.  After the untimely death of his wife, he later met and married Mary Ellen Fondel and to that union, he adopted Donnie P. Lewis, Arthur J. Lewis II, Franklin D. Lewis, and Kevin R. Lewis.  Antoine loved his wife and family and worked hard to ensure they were provided for and that all of his children were educated.  He often took his family on summer vacations all over the United States.  He and his wife always took Caribbean Cruises and trips to Hawaii to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  

Antoine Sr. retired from Pittsburgh Plate & Glass (PPG) Industries in Westlake, LA.  After retirement, he put his talents to work in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical in remodeling and maintaining rental properties that he and his wife purchased.  He continued to serve his community in the funeral industry from 2009 until 2020 when his health failed.  Antoine was a gentle and loving man, always considerate of others and thanking anyone for things done to assist him.