Carolyn Champagne Fuselier

St. Martinville - Funeral services will be conducted for Mrs. Carolyn Marie Fuselier, the former Carolyn Marie Champagne, age 74, at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church with Monsignor Douglas Courville officiating. Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery at the corner of Cemetery and Bridge Street. A native and lifelong resident of St. Martinville, Mrs. Fuselier died on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at her residence in St. Martinville. She was born on March 11,1947, in St. Martinville. Carolyn was a devout Catholic. Her tremendous faith inspired others to model her devotion to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every day as the church bells rang at 6:00 a.m.,12:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. for the Angelus, commemorating the Incarnation, she recited the Angelus prayer. She memorized prayers and often recited them in French. She was a Eucharistic Minister and frequently visited the burial site in Richard, Louisiana, of a faith-filled child, Charlene Marie Richard, “the little Cajun saint” who died of leukemia at the age of 14. Carolyn bought holy prayer cloths and gave them to friends and family. Bishop Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette opened the “Cause for Canonization” of Charlene Marie Richard in January 2020. Carolyn loved her birthplace, the town of St. Martinville, where she was surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her family. They lovingly called her “Princess,” and “MeMe”. She cherished Sunday family dinners and was most happy when the whole family was present. She treasured Fun Fridays, which included entertainment time with her grandchildren doing their activity of choice. She was always present at her grandchildren’s activities: football, soccer, volleyball, swim meets, cheer competitions, and dance recitals. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, spending time with friends and family, and going to the Casino. Carolyn’s previous employment was with South Central Bell and AT&T. She was a beloved and vibrant figure in the St. Martinville community, especially for her role as Administrative Director of the Arc of St. Martin, as she helped promote the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career with the Arc in 1985. “Dancing with the Arc Stars” was her vision as a means to raise money for the clients of the Arc. In 2018 at the “Dancing with the Stars” event, she was honored for her steadfast service, dedication, and support of this cause. She was instrumental in the decisions to purchase the two community homes, began a Supported Employment program, implemented a Job Readiness Program and construction of a new and improved Day Program Facility, purchased two thrift stores, and obtained a grant for building HUD housing in St. Martinville. She constantly used this adage with her employees, “Don’t be afraid to do what is best for the client,” and “Just do it,” which encouraged them to be independent and creative as a philosophy in that environment. Mrs. Fuselier was preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Oleus Champagne, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. William Dwyer; her parents, Howard “Mac” Champagne, Sr., and mother, Evelyn Dwyer Champagne. Survivors include her spouse of 52 years, Murray Fuselier; siblings, Howard Champagne, Jr., Arlene Boyer, and Marlene Latiolais; daughter Christine Poche and her husband Mark; son, Craig Fuselier and wife Wendy, and Vicky Romero and husband Troy; grandchildren Tyler Poche and fiancée Laci; Hanna Poche, Cole Fuselier, Shelbi Romero, and Isabella Romero. Official Pallbearers will be Tyler Poche, Cole Fuselier, Mark Poche, and Troy Romero. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Wendy Fuselier, P.A., Dr. Warren Degatur, Jr., Tomika Savoy (Nursing Specialties), Allyson Champagne (Hospice of Acadiana), Tomekia Vital, Brenda Desoto, and Becky Crochet for their care and compassion that was given to our mom during the time of her illness. Memorial donations: In lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in memory of Carolyn, to the Arc of St. Martin, Inc, P.O. Box 128, St. Martinville, LA, 70582. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville, 112 New Market St., St. Martinville, LA 70582, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.