Pastor Olander Sidney Cassimere, Sr. and First Lady Alphathada Abercrombie Cassimere Alphathada was born on June 17, 1931 in Waco, Texas to the union of Ella Helen Taylor Abercrombie and Dave Charles Abercrombie. She was the second eldest child. She attended public schools in Waco and graduated from A.J. Moore High School. Her favorite subjects included Typing and Home Economics where she learned advanced sewing and cooking which served her well during her life as a homemaker. Those who partook of her pineapple pie, coconut cake, and stewed chicken will attest to her exceptional culinary skills. In New Orleans she also became an outstanding cook of creole fare. Olander was born on Mary 27, 1930, oldest child of the union of Estelle Elam Cassimere and Raphael Cassimere. Olander attended Macarty Elementary and later G.I. School at Rivers Fredericks. He received an Associate Degree and a Certificate in Carpentry and Brickmasonary from Delgado Community College. In 1948 he began a career with the American Sugary Refinery from which he retired in 1992. After his call as an Associate Ministery, Elder Cassimere attended and completed studies at C.H. Mason Bible College. Olander served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1952-54 where he attained the rank of Corporal. While stationed at Ft. Hood/Kil-leen, Texas he met Alphathada. After their first meeting he was convinced that she would become his wife. Alpha confided to a friend she was not sure about this guy with the big brown eyes. After a torrid correspondence she too, agreed that hey would become soul mates. Indeed! The would - for 55 long, but happy years. Upon returning to New Orleans "Pa", as many of his friends called him returned to the Sugar Refinery where he rejoined his father and uncle, and other longtime employees of the company. On May 15, 1954, Olander and Alpha exchanged wedding vows and promised each other they would live together as husband and wife until death departed them. Death could not divide this strong union and they departed this earthly life together on Sunday, May 10, 2009 and will live together with Christ throughout eternity. (O Grave! Where is they victory? O Death! Where is they sting?) Olander had one son, Larry Alvarez, prior to his marriage, and he and Alpha had nine other children: the late Jacqueline Ann Cassimere Richard, Olander S. Cassimere, Jr., Michael Samuel, Debra Renee, and Aretha Cassimere, Cheryl Cassimere Cousin, Venita Cassimere Massey, Karen Cassimere Sullivan, and Carmen Cassimere Fisher. They were the devoted and proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Alpha's siblings include: the late Lavern Abercrombie, Dorothy Lou, Artie and jimmie Abercrombie, Eldora Browne, Julia Richard, and Viola A. Mitchell. Olander's 7 younger siblings include: Helen Rose Cook, Odessa Marguerite Cassimere, Edith Mae Ballard, Leona Estelle Pitts, Daniel Narcisse Cassimere, Raphael Cassimere, Jr. and Lois Beverly Camese. One of his closest friends from work and the neighborhood was his "brother" Raymond Lation. Olander and Alpha were the favorite cousins of many, and the friendly neighbors to many in their community. Although they left us suddenly and without a formal goodbye, our heavy hearts are lightened by the knowledge that although absent from the body, they live because HE lives. Alpha and Olander will be sadly missed by all their children and spouses: Yvonne Cassimere, Brenda Cassimere, Toriano Massey, Sr., Clayton Sullivan, and Steve Fisher; sisters-in-law: Inez H. Cassimere, Gloria J. Cassimere, and Helga Aber-crombie; brothers-in-law: Oscar Mitchell and Eddie Pitts, Sr.; and a host of other family members, friends, church members and associates and neighbors.

She and her husband were victims of murder.