A native of Ponchatoula, she was born to parents Josephine Roys Pemble and Thomas Willis Pemble on Dec.24, 1916. She graduated from Ponchatoula High School and Southeastern Louisiana College. It was at Southeastern Louisiana College that she met and later, in 1936, married her professor, Moise J. Israel. In 1938, his career as Superintendent of City Schools took them to Bogalusa, where he served for over 35 years. Rebecca was an active member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, a founder of the Children’s Coronation, and Ingleside Women’s Society. While raising her family, some of her greatest pleasures were organizing and hosting two dinner clubs, book clubs and bridge clubs. She was always known as a perfect “lady” and gracious hostess. After he husband’s death in 1973, she returned to her roots in Hammond, where she rekindled relationships with family, many friends and Grace Memorial Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her two sons, Terry Pemble (Doreen Ross) Israel of Santa Monica, Calif. and Robert Craig (Deanne) Israel of Baton Rouge; two grandchildren, Robert Craig (Lottie) Israel II and Molly Rebecca Israel, and great-granddaughter, Ellison Belle Israel, all of Baton Rouge; niece, Johnnie Rebecca Bourgeois of Ponchatoula and nephew, Barry Barlow of Oregon.
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Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 208 Georgia Ave. in Bogalusa. Burial will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local Hospice or St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 208 Georgia Ave., Bogalusa, LA 70427-3824.
Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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