It is with heavy hearts that the family of Barbara Halphen Fuselier announces the passing of our dear mother, the Matriarch and rock of our family. Barbara passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Hospice of Acadiana Calcutta House. She was 85 years old.
Barbara was born on March 31, 1939, in Cecilia, Louisiana, to the late Fabio Halphen and Louise Christine Fuselier Halphen. She was the youngest of twenty-one children, raised in a family deeply rooted in Cajun traditions and values that she carried with her throughout her life.
In her early years, Barbara traveled with her father, who was an engineer with local sugarcane mills in Acadiana. She attended school while her father worked to get the mills operational. She later returned to Cecilia, where she graduated from Cecilia High School in 1957. During her school years, she excelled in basketball and was an outstanding member of the debate team. At the age of 20, she moved to California, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from University of San Francisco. Her academic achievements led to a successful career with several companies in California, where she worked as a respiratory therapist, as a safety coordinator and energy auditor with Pacific Gas and Electric, and as a supervisor at MCI Communications. After 65 years in California, Barbara returned to her beloved Louisiana with her daughter.
Outside of her professional life, Barbara enjoyed many activities that brought her joy and relaxation. She loved the opera, attending many shows together in San Francisco with friends. Barbara also took up scuba diving at the age of 46, despite not being able to swim—her daughter Christine was happy to teach her.
Above all, Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family and her Cajun heritage. She centered herself around her loved ones, never missing an opportunity to visit with them. Holidays and birthdays were the highlight of her year, as they brought her family together under one roof to share meals and laughter. She was known for preparing her favorite Cajun dishes, which were always a cherished part of these gatherings.
Barbara was the strongest woman we ever knew, with a steadfast will and unwavering dedication to the ones she loved. She embodied the true meaning of "mother," with a heart of gold and a smile that lit up any room. While we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing our faith promises that we will be reunited with her one day in everlasting life. Until then, may Barbara rest in peace. We love you.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Christine Fuselier; her five grandchildren, Christopher Eugene Fuselier, Nicole Marie Besoyan, Jean Phillipe Fuselier, Ginger Katelynn Fuselier, and Monique Ariel Fuselier Morrow; nine great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Ramona Halphen Cole and Sandra Halphen Guillotte.
Barbara was preceded in death by her sons, Willard Eugene Fuselier, Jr. and Anthony Otis Fuselier; a great-grandchild, Adeline Fuselier; and her siblings, Fabio Halphen, Jr., Lawrence Halphen, Joseph Oscar Halphen, Alvin Halphen, Alfred Halphen, Leonard Halphen, Clarence Halphen, Dalton Halphen, Oline Helmer, Louise Gentry, Mary Hollander, Lilly Greta White, Marguerite Halphen, Jacqueline Case, Rita Shobe, Theresa Leon, Gloria Shepherd, and Goldie “Dinky” Gilson.
Funeral services celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home. Fr. Keith Landry, a longtime friend of the family, will officiate. Barbara will be laid to rest privately at a later date. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of services.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Acadiana Calcutta House, especially Tyler Robicheaux, for the care and compassion shown to Barbara. For those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory, please consider a memorial donation in her name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Barbara’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
