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Olla Rae Montalbano Chicola, the driving force to help feed the hungry in Alexandria through Manna House, a soup kitchen in her former grocery store-Nick's Food Center. She passed away on February 22, 2018, having a full life of 91 years that impacted thousands of people. Olla Rae at the request of St. Francis Cabrini Church helped to establish a place of wonderful meals and hope. She received the National Service Award from President Clinton for her undaunted efforts, which are portrayed in the film "Olla Rae" seen on You Tube. Manna House currently serves 8000 meals a month. The unique menus and food sourcing that she established makes this possible. Olla Rae was married to Nick Chicola and they ran a successful grocery business for 40 years. They also proudly nurtured, educated and entertained seven children: Barbara "Bobbie" (Alan) Carey, Ronald (Laura), Ted (Kay), David (Sharon), Monty, Wray and Craig. Their house was the center of the neighborhood and all were welcome. Olla Rae not only sold food, she was a master cook and her recipes have been shared with her forty direct descendants and friends. Meals at the Chicola household were legendary. Our family still mourns the loss of Nick (1985), Craig (1995) and Wray (2013). Olla Rae was a founding member of St. Francis Cabrini School and Church. She nurtured and guided many people in the family as well as their friends. She rarely missed family special occasions and usually brought a wonderful edible and/or thoughtful gift. Olla Rae was born June 27, 1926, in Bunkie, La., to Tony and Agnes Guillot Montalbano. She graduated from Bunkie High School, moved to Alexandria and went to business college. She met the famous generals of WWII during her war work. She met her husband on her only blind date, and they married when he returned from service. She loved music, travel, dancing and singing. She had one brother, Reverend Joseph Montalbano, who was a devoted priest in the Alexandria Diocese for 50 years. She was a devout Catholic who practiced her faith in everyday life. Her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends and Manna House staff and volunteers will miss her inspiration, encouragement and sparkling personality. The family invites you to a wake, Monday, February 26 at 5 - 8pm with rosary at 6:30pm and funeral services, Tuesday, February 27, with visitation from 8 am until the mass at 10 am. Both the wake and funeral are at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Alexandria at 2215 East Texas Avenue with burial at Alexandria Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Manna House in her memory at 2655 Lee Street, Alexandria, LA 71301. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Olla Rae and Father Joe became friends of my husband and I at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2008. We bonded immediately. She is a living example of Christianity at its best. She is an angel. It was a pleasure to meet her and enjoy her legacy. Her beautiful life, marriage, family and the Manna House are all examples we can learn from. She was a modern day Mother Theresa. Such a beautiful lady. I am sending condolences to your entire family. Prayers for you all.
Debbie Sears
March 4, 2018
Taught me about the business world without criticism my first real job other than with my Dad's company. She was a wonderful historian for our family as a whole. A generous,loving humanitarian to her community and her church family. Her children and grandchildren praise her at the gate, and her virtue will be recognized by all. She was a blessing to all she met and knew she is going to be sorely missed. Love you Aunt Olla Rae. Jackie & Christy (Chicola) Miller
Christy Chicola Miller
March 2, 2018
Monty, So sorry for you loss. We can all see where you got your living uplifting personality from. Your mother will be dearly missed
Patrick Thompson
February 28, 2018
She was an amazing woman of God and taught us all by her example everyday. She will be so missed and remembered always. The family of Johnny and Aggie Berry send to the entire Chicola Family our deepest sympathy and love.
Sally Berry Soileau
Sally Soileau
February 27, 2018
A very much Loved and Special Lady to her Family, Community and all that knew her., A One of a Kind.,She will be Missed by many, but remembered for all she did for the Community and those in need., I Pray for Comfort and Peace for the Family.
Lena and Lee Mouille Family
February 27, 2018
To the Chicola Family,
Please know that all of you are in my thoughts & prayers during this sad time. Mrs. Olla Rae was such a sweet, kind & wonderful lady. She will be missed by all.
Love to all of you.
The Tate Family
Theresa Tate
February 27, 2018
Bobbie,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss.
Your mother was indeed a great lady and a remarkable Christian who served as a role model for all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With love and blessings,
Nancy and Johnny Hammatt
February 27, 2018
Mrs. Olla Rae was one of God's warriors in life and ministry. Many times, although in much pain, she came to Manna House. Her presence was appreciated not only by the staff and volunteers, but those "poorest of the poor" who would greet her warmly with "Hi Momma!" She will be greatly missed by us here in Alexandria, but somehow, I believe God will use her greatly from Heaven--for us. Thank you Mrs. Olla Rae. May your soul rest in peace.
Theresa Catteruccia
February 26, 2018
God has given us a life span of hope 70 and 80 years if we are strong. Psalms 90:10. May you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many.
AC
February 26, 2018
Prayers from the Carpenters!
February 26, 2018
Dear Ted, I am saddened by the news of your mother's passing but know from what you've told me she's in a better place and is whole again. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care and God bless. Beth, Ricky and the pups
Beth Sheets
February 26, 2018
No words can really express the feeling of the loss of a loved one. As I was reading this obituary, I was able to call to mind how she effected not only myself but come to think of it 3 generations of women in my family. She was truly this community's modern day "Mother Theresa". Her Legacy will definitely live on. I'm blessed to have been able know her.
Anastasia Sampson Love
February 26, 2018
David, I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. Please accept my condolences and May Lord bless and comfort you and your family in this time of grief.
Cherylann Natale
Coworker
February 26, 2018
Ted and Kay, So sorry to read about your mother. She was a great lady, and will be sadly missed.
Roy and Lillian Robison
February 26, 2018
David,My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family
Cherylann Natale
February 25, 2018
Our deepest condolences to all the family members of our beloved, Olla Rae Chicola. She will be missed greatly, but her legacy will live on forever. A true follower of Jesus Christ, living out his message each and every day. what wonderful memories I have of all the times we shopped at Nick's grocery store and seeing Olla Rae behind the cash resgister. We will miss you greatly.
Sandra Chicola/Mullins
February 25, 2018
So many great memories of Olla Rae. My heart is sad but I know she is in the glory of God. She touched the lives of so many. Will always be remembered by me.
Jasper Rizzo
February 25, 2018
Such a sad, sad loss for the community and the cause. RIP sweet, generous Lady.
Saddened Heart
February 25, 2018
We stand with thousands in admiration of the life of this remarkable, generous, loving woman, who changed lives with a warm
meal and a kind manner. Truly inspiring. Our prayers are with you all.
Bill and Terrie Queen Autrey
February 25, 2018
Your family was truly blessed to have shared your memories with such a phenomenal woman. May her legacy of love and generosity live on through each of you. May God provide the needed comfort during your time of grief.
Juanita
February 25, 2018
My prayers for the family healing and strength at this time Mrs Chicola was a wonderful wife mom n friend she will be missed but we all have wonderful memories of your loved one
Monica Stafford
February 25, 2018
So sorry for your lost. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Your mom was a great great lady.
February 24, 2018
My condolences to your family during this difficult time. May the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.
February 24, 2018
Dan Vermaelen
February 24, 2018
Dan Vermaelen
February 24, 2018
Thank you for it all. RIP
Gwen and Michael Beaudion
February 24, 2018
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the Chicola family.
With much love,
Tracy and Chelsea Bock
Tracy Bock
February 23, 2018
Words cannot express the loss you feel. We are sad for your loss and send our condolences to the family.
C J & Vicki Broussard & Zepher Dean
February 23, 2018
Though she will be missed, she is happily reunited with her husband and sons in the presence of her Savior.
Susan Gremillion West
February 23, 2018
To the Chicola family I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Gloria Morgan
February 23, 2018
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your time of loss. Prayers for the Chicola family.
Esther &Michael Gomez
February 23, 2018
Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers.
Austin & Sambra Dick
February 23, 2018
What an amazing woman... 7 children and all the acts of charity... All my best to the family ...
WR-Holman IBERIABANK
February 22, 2018
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