Shirley Hulin Delcambre

St. Martinville – A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for Shirley Hulin Delcambre, 81, who passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at AMG Park Place.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 3:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and continued on Tuesday at 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. on Monday by the Men’s Rosary Group.
Fr. Rusty P. Richard officiated at the Funeral Mass. Gift bearers were her children. Interment followed at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville.
Shirley was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, friend and sibling. Shirley was born in Cypress Island and lived a majority of her life in St Martin Parish until deciding to move to Lafayette to be close to her children.
As a child, Shirley quit school to work to help support her family, but through perseverance Shirley returned to school and graduated. After graduation, Shirley briefly worked for the Durand Insurance Agency. Shirley then went on to work for the draft board during the Vietnam War, often telling stories how she lamented escorting draftees to the bus station when they were deployed. Shirley then embarked on her career with FMHA where she retired in 1997, after 30 years of service. At FMHA, she was known for her dedication, fairness, honesty, and passion, and was revered for her expert knowledge enforcing FMHA guidelines.
During her retirement years, Shirley continued to remain active - caring for her grandchildren, managing her daughter’s Fitness Center, working in her son-in-law’s law firm, volunteering at hospice and at the Carmelites, where she cared for bed-bound religious.
Shirley loved the casino, but even more than winning, she enjoyed sharing her winnings with those who accompanied her so they too could experience the same joy it brought her. After her casino trips, she loved giving a “play-by-play,” which included the machines that were “hitting” and remembering each spin with amazing precision. Shirley also cherished her retirement friendships with Kelsie and Renola, who could be seen for years on their morning walks in the neighborhood. Shirley’s main source of pride was her family.
She was married to her husband, Irvin, for 59 years, with whom she raised three children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Shirley’s unconditional love was no more evident than when she planned get-togethers for her family – serving as the perfect cook and hostess. At 81 years old, Shirley was forever learning new things – whether it was increasing her knowledge about healthy eating habits and exercise, or using her iPad to research topics, or texting her children/grandchildren on her iPhone.
Shirley’s brothers and sisters shared a special bond, a bond passed down to them from their parents. A major source of joy for Shirley was traveling with her siblings and their spouses and all the memorable places they visited; but for Shirley, it wasn’t about the places they visited, it was about the love she shared being with them. Everyday Shirley looked forward to the phone conversations with her siblings, keeping abreast of the dynamics of the enormous extended family. Shirley’s wisdom and guidance were often sought out for any important family decision. Her last days on earth were spent teaching life lessons from her hospital bed, imparting words of wisdom to those she would leave behind; and in her final hours she was blessed with a special encounter from God, which provided her peace and comfort in her transition from this life. Shirley’s presence will forever be felt by those fortunate enough to have experienced her unconditional love.
She is survived by her loving husband, Irvin Delcambre; daughters, Vickie Abraham and husband David of Maurice, and Dena Landry and husband Dean of Judice; son, Eric Delcambre of Cypress Island; five grandchildren, Jenee Hungerford, Wade Greig, Dean Francis Jude Landry, Andreé Baudoin and Dustin Landry; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Serrette and Barbara Hornsby; and brothers, Alton “TK” Hulin, Larry “B-Lou” Hulin and Harold “T-Sue” Hulin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elie and Irene Babin Hulin; and her brother, Alvin Hulin.
Pallbearers were David Abraham, Dean Landry, Dean Landry Jr., Dustin Landry, Jenee Hungerford and Andreé Baudoin. Honorary pallbearers were Casey Hungerford and Rocky Baudoin.
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.