Charlene Ann Hulin, a beloved native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Heart Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 68 years old.
Charlene was born on February 29, 1956, in New Iberia, to the late Ottis Hulin and the late Helen Duhon Hulin. She was raised in a family steeped in Cajun heritage, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. From her early years, when she sported her signature cat-eyeglasses, to her later years, Charlene’s joyful spirit and love for the little things remained a constant.
As a young woman, Charlene embraced the charms of south Louisiana, spending her teen years fishing and shrimping on the shrimp boats. A proud graduate of the New Iberia Senior High Class of 1974, Charlene made her career in the grocery business. She worked for over 25 years at Doerle's Food Service, handling offshore catering for oil rigs and fishing vessels. She also spent over a decade with Food n Fun and worked alongside her brother Curtis at Daspit Supermarket. Her expertise in finances and management made her an invaluable asset to each business she was a part of, and she took great pride in her work.
Though she enjoyed her career, Charlene was at her happiest when at home, surrounded by family and friends. Affectionately called "Charlie" by those who loved her, and "Miss Shirley" when they wanted to get a rise out of her, she was a true homebody, finding peace and contentment in the familiarity of her surroundings. While she loved a good fishing trip, her idea of adventure rarely took her beyond the shores of Cypremort Point. Traveling was never a favorite pastime, but she did enjoy the occasional trip to the casino and was a diehard fan of both the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers. If there was a game on TV, you could be sure Charlene would politely decline any invitations to visit in favor of watching her teams play.
Charlene’s family was the center of her world. She was fiercely loyal, loving, and always there for those she cared about. She was also never one to hold back her opinion when it was needed, though her candid nature always left you with a smile. Her warmth, humor, and straightforwardness made her a beloved presence in the lives of all who knew her.
Her legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in peace, Charlie. You will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Billy Hulin and Rebecca Lafont Hulin; her grandchildren, Macy Dronet (Sean), Gavin Toups (Madison) and Kelley Hall (Trace); her great grandchildren, Lillian Dronet and Joseph Dronet; her brother and sisters, Curtis Hulin, Linda Roberts and Laurie Hulin; brother-in-law, Robert Boudreaux; nephews, Brad Roberts and Buddy Boudreaux; a longtime friend, Wendy Kazmierczak and her children and grandchildren; and her devoted and loving Maltese, Milo.
Along with her parents, Charlene is reunited in heaven with her sister, Joyce Hulin Boudreaux who passed away just two weeks earlier; her nephews, Mickey Hulin and Tommy Hulin; and sister-in-law, Thelma Hulin.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday, November 15 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably or wear your favorite sports gear, as Charlene would want everyone comfortable. She will be laid to rest privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Charlene’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, IPAC of Iberia, or to Angel Paws.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories of Charlene with the family by visiting her memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
