Lucille Fremin Babineaux

New Iberia - Lucille Fremin Babineaux, beloved mother and matriarch of a family of 105, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on September 19, 2022, at the age of 102.  She was born to Sentney and Marie “Ella” (Ozenne) Fremin on October 3, 1919 in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Lucille and her family lived on Avery Island until she was 13. Lucille’s father ran the island’s general store and was Postmaster, and her mother taught Catholic education and boarded local teachers. During that time, the teachers asked Sentney and Ella if Lucille could accompany them to school. They agreed and so her formal education began at the a very young age.

In 1932, the Fremin family moved to Burke, Louisiana, and in 1936, Lucille graduated from Mt. Carmel Academy in New Iberia at age 16.  Until the time of her death in 2022, Lucille was the oldest living alumnus of Mt. Carmel Academy.

In 1935, Lucille met the love of her life, L. Louis Babineaux of Coteau.  Louis and Lucille married in 1942 and were married 59 years until his death February 14, 2001.  Together they raised seven children and ran The Home Rug Cleaning and Floor Company, which they founded in 1945, with Lucille as Office Manager.  Lucille, a devoted mother and faith-filled Catholic, volunteered at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Coteau.  She was an exceptional seamstress and an outstanding cook who graciously extended hospitality and provided meals to the priests. In 1956, the family and business moved to New Iberia.

Affectionately known as MaMaw to her family, Lucille was especially grateful for the kindness and time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her nieces and nephews as her own and enjoyed many friendships across the great State of Louisiana and our country.

Lucille is survived by children, Kenneth J Babineaux (Linda), Baron P Babineaux (Karen), and Erroll C Babineaux (Suzanne), all of New Iberia, Yvette Babineaux of Lafayette and Priscilla Babineaux Cadwell (John) of Richland, WA, as well as son-in-law, Raymond S Blanco of Lafayette. 

Additionally, she is survived by grandchildren, Karmen Blanco Hartfield, Raymond “Ray” Blanco Jr, Monique Blanco Boulet, Nicole Blanco George, Kathleen (Pilar) Blanco Eble, William (Billy) Babineaux, Kenneth (Jamie) Babineaux, Jr, Kimberly Labiche Powell, Cherie Babineaux Bailey, Baron Babineaux, Jr, Beryl Babineaux Broussard, Bart Babineaux, Camille Cox Renard, John William Cox IV, Jeffrey Cox, John Cadwell, Jr, Marie-Elise Cadwell Meyer, Cherami Cadwell Freeman, Jay Cadwell, James (Brandon) Cadwell, Erroll (Charlie) Babineaux, Jr., Elise Faucheaux, and an additional 36 great grandchildren.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Sentney and Ella Fremin; her husband, Louis; her siblings, Rosa Mae Romero and Sidney Fremin; her daughter, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (former Governor of Louisiana); son L. Louis Babineaux Jr.; granddaughter, Tricia Lucille Babineaux; grandson, Benedict Blanco and great grandson, Cameron Bailey.

The family sends special thanks to all the Romero, Fremin and Babineaux families for their love and support through the years. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Doctors David Daly, Michelle Menard, Vina Baker; Heart of Hospice; and Lucille’s caregivers, Eva Rollins, Gloria Singleton, Chimyra Singleton, Carolyn Francis, and Rose Lee, for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2022 with a rosary recitation, led by Deacon Patrick Burke, at 6:00 pm at Pellerin Funeral Home. Visitation will resume Monday, from 8:00 am until 10:30 am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Peter's Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Monday, September 26, 2022. Rev. William Blanda will be the Celebrant. Lectors will be Camille Renard, Marie Cadwell, Beryl Broussard and Nicole Blanco. Gifts will be presented by Elise, Blair, Hunter, Harrison, and Mary-Blair Faucheaux representing Mamaw's youngest descendent.

Pallbearers will be Ray Blanco Jr, Billy Babineaux, Jamie Babineaux, Bart Babineaux, John William Cox IV, John Cadwell Jr. and Charlie Babineaux

Honorary Pallbearers include Baron Babineaux Jr., Jeff Cox, Jay Cadwell, and Brandon Cadwell.

Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lucille’s name to Ush One See Foundation, PO Box 14126, New Iberia, LA 70562, or to the charity of your choice.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).