Elmira "Myra" Nelson Castagnola

Coteau - Elmira "Myra" Nelson Castagnola passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Conroe, Texas, surrounded by the love of family and strengthened by an unwavering faith that carried her through every season of life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Coteau. Rev. Reed Bellingham will serve as celebrant. Entombment will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary prayed at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Born on August 10, 1965, to the late Luma and Thelma Nelson, Myra was the only daughter among six brothers and was treated like a princess from the very beginning. After graduating NISH in 1983, she attended USL where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

She went on to build a distinguished career in Human Resources, working across a range of industries while living in California. She brought the same qualities to her professional life that defined her personally - purpose, passion, and a genuine dedication to the people around her. Her priorities shifted when she became a mother to her two sons. She embraced motherhood with unwavering devotion, to support her boys in every endeavor they undertook. She celebrated their achievements as though they were her own, for her love for them ran the deepest. Her selflessness was a defining part of who she was, and it leaves a void that cannot be filled.

Growing up in South Louisiana, she developed an adventurous spirit, a deep appreciation for family, and a love for the rich culture that shaped her. Like her father, she cherished Zydeco and found great joy in sharing the traditions of Acadiana with friends, often bringing visitors home so they could experience the food, music, and hospitality she loved so dearly.

Myra embraced life with energy, joy, and determination. As a young girl, she loved playing softball, and that passion for an active life never faded. She remained committed to fitness throughout her life and eventually became an avid tennis player, traveling with her teammates to tournaments and building friendships that lasted a lifetime. Whether on the court or cheering on others, she brought enthusiasm, encouragement, and laughter wherever she went.

She was many things to many people, a devoted daughter, beloved sister, treasured aunt, loyal friend, proud "Gigi," adventurous traveler, free spirit, and a woman whose smile could brighten any room. To her children, she was simply the greatest Mom. To everyone else, she was the person who could always be counted on to make any gathering more joyful, more memorable, and perhaps just a little more mischievous. She had a gift for bringing people together, making them feel welcome, and reminding them not to take life too seriously.

Even in the face of serious illness, Myra's spirit never wavered. She refused to let her diagnosis define her. She continued to travel, continued to encourage others to live fully, and continued to serve those around her. She faced every challenge with remarkable grace, rarely complaining and almost always wearing her signature smile. Her courage inspired countless people, not because she spoke often about strength, but because she quietly lived it every single day.

At the center of Myra's life was her unwavering faith in God. Through every triumph and every hardship, she trusted completely in His plan. Her faith gave her peace, guided her actions, and inspired the compassion she so freely shared with others.

More than anything, Myra built a life filled with purpose, laughter, friendship, and unconditional love. Her legacy is found not only in the family she cherished but also in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, resilience, and infectious zest for life. She taught others to embrace adventure, treasure relationships, hold tightly to their faith, and make every day count.

She is survived by her twin sons, Adrian Richard Castagnola and Kristian Anthony Castagnola; siblings, Andrew “Tee” Nelson (Gail), Gerard “Ben” Nelson (Cathy), Curtis Nelson (Matilda), Peter Nelson (Sheila), and Kevin Nelson; half brother, Dominque Chevalier (Yolande); nieces and nephews, Nicole, Ashley, Ben, Jr., Lena, Curtis Jr., Jessica, Jasmine, Jacob, Joey, Maila, Lauren, Duston, Derrek, Daniel, Adrian, Celine, and Tibeaux; great nieces and nephews, Riley, Noah, Jolie, Jayden, Jaycee, Liam, Lane, Isabella, Henry, Eleanor, Asher, Lucy, Gabriel, Elijah, Judah, Ezra, Joshua, Ben, Margot, Mia, Ayden, Dylan, Lucy, Alize, and Melewe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luma and Thelma St. Andre’ Nelson; and a brother Hackett Nelson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary women who faithfully walked alongside Myra throughout her journey. Whether attending appointments, sitting beside her through treatments, offering comfort, sharing laughter, or ensuring she was never alone during her final months, your selfless love, unwavering support, and countless acts of kindness were gifts beyond measure. You became family, and your compassion brought strength, peace, and joy during one of life's most difficult seasons. The love you so generously gave Myra will forever be remembered and cherished. The family would like to also express sincere appreciation to Myra's Oncologist at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Pia Morelli, for being a fantastic friend to Myra and keeping her with us as long as possible. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Love Fosters Hope, a cause that was especially close to Myra's heart, in honor of the compassion and hope she so generously shared with others.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life lived with courage, faith, generosity, adventure, and joy. Myra's greatest legacy is not measured in years but in the lives she changed, the love she gave so freely, and the reminder she leaves for all of us, to trust God, love deeply, laugh often, serve others, and never stop living life to its fullest.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337.365.3331)