Dorothy "Dottie" Calais

A memorial service will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in Cecilia, Louisiana for Dottie Calais who passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at her home on the Uncompahgre Plateau overlooking Montrose, Colorado where she and Chris lived for the last 23 years.

Visitation will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 8 am - 1:30 pm. The service will begin at 1:30 pm with internment immediately following in St. Joseph Cemetery. Pastor Bud Plake of Crossroads Church will officiate.

While cancer was a part of Dottie's earthly journey the last 25 years it did not deter her joie de vivre for life. She traveled throughout much of the U. S. to see family in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia, and West Virginia. She and Chris often traveled throughout the Rockies and the southwestern states. One of her favorite adventures was to travel and explore Route 66 in their RV, travel van or their motorcycle. They traveled together with curiosity and spontaneity sometimes deciding to change direction at any moment.

She grew up in Oakdale, Louisiana before moving to Cecilia, Louisiana after her marriage to Malcolm "Mac" Calais. She was a long time shampoo girl at Jeannie's Beauty Shop located across the street from her home in Grand Anse. Dottie was an excellent and creative cook whether she was cooking traditional Cajun Creole meals or making a delicious, colorful delight with what she had on hand. She would often post on social media her healthy and colorful creations.

She was an accomplished seamstress making suits for her first husband Mac, and numerous items for their children. She made prom dresses, homecoming suits and her masterpiece was her daughter, Paula's wedding dress. She loved to garden whether it was flowers or vegetables. Her children remember her competing with her father-in-law, Wade Calais, to see who could raise the best watermelon.

Dottie had an entrepreneurial spirit opening her first business in the early 80's from her living room before moving her clothing store known as La Boutique Calais to a storefront across the street from the Piggly Wiggly in Cecilia. In Colorado, she and her husband Chris owned and operated a transmission business until retiring. One of her favorite ventures and pastimes was a skincare and makeup line she actively promoted through social media.

She is preceded in death by her father Ira Henry, mother Hattie Fontenot Henry, brothers Larry and Gary Henry, the father of her children Malcolm Calais, and grandson Camden Calais.

She is survived by her husband Chellis "Chris" Smith and their Yorkshire terrier Lua, Chris's children Eric (Virginia) Smith and two daughters Samantha and Katherine, Jessica, Ken and Dan Smith, Dottie's daughter Paula Calais Ohlmeyer (Ron), sons Mike Calais (Sue) and Colby Calais, granddaughters Ashley, Sophie, and Zoe Calais, grandson Kayden Calais, sisters Mary Potvin, Gloria (Chuck) Delahoussaye, Diane Foyil and Rose Henry and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Mike Calais, Chris Smith, Mark Delahoussaye, Rob Rabalais, Eric and Ken Smith. Honorary Pallbearer is Dan Smith.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the many devoted doctors, nurses and staff involved in Dottie's cancer care over the last 25 years in Colorado, Indiana and Missouri. Including Dr Samir Witta, Dr Kevin Schewe, Dr Yvette Burdick, Dr Linda Peterson, Dr Dorinda Rouche, and Dr Nusayba Bagagni. And most recently, the nurses, CNA's and staff of HopeWest Hospice of Montrose, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to your favorite local pet shelter, charity of choice, or HopeWest Hospice of Montrose.

A celebration of life will be held later this year in Montrose.