It is with deep sorrow, but with incredible joy that we announce the passing of our beloved Caleen Lopez Lavin, who passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at her residence with her loving husband by her side. The sorrow will last but a while, the joy in the knowledge that she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is eternal.For Caleen was a woman of deep faith, and had a surrendered relationship with Christ, which she exhibited continuously. It is because of this relationship that makes the void that will be
felt bearable, with the memories of her well-lived life outweighing the sorrow caused by her absence here on earth.
Caleen was born on October 11, 1950, in Jeanerette to the late Calise Lopez, Jr. and Elizabeth Jane Switzer Lopez. She was one of six children born to their union.
Caleen was blessed to be born into a loving family, as well as having met the many friends she made along her path. Her two sons were a source of pride for her, as she endeavored to make certain they were independent, and asked only that they used the
talents that had been given to them to the best of their ability. Her “step” grandchildren (and those of her siblings) were also very dear to her, as she knew each one from their birth, and marveled as they matured in life.
Caleen wore many hats in her professional career, as a business owner, various sales jobs, but mostly as a volunteer with several hospice organizations, of which she said were the “best moments of my life, not depressing, just very rewarding”. The fact that
her final wishes included an admonishment to those who would give testimony to her impact to NOT give praise and credit to her, but to her Lord and Savior, who made all of her accomplishments possible. She was “humility” exemplified!
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, James “Jim” Lavin; two sons, Theodore John Langan, III and Daniel Richard Langan; her stepchildren, James Ryan Lavin (Lindsay); Tricia L. Guarisco (Peter); Kathryn L. LaSala (Pablo) and Brett
Lavin (Meagan); eleven step grandchildren, Jude LaSala, Molli LaSala, Emilia LaSala, Isaac LaSala, Myrtle Guarisco, Eloise Guarisco, Victor Guarisco, Ava James Lavin, Luke Lavin, Sonny Lavin and Wyatt Lavin; three sisters, Melissa Lopez, Alycia L.
Boudreaux (Mark) and Stacey L. Kleinpeter (Karl) and two brothers, Randy Lopez (Karen) and Richard Lopez (Michele), along with the children and grandchildren of her
siblings.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am with Fr. Keith Landry officiating. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm with the Men's Rosary Group leading the Rosary at 6:00 pm. A special tribute to Caleen will be held after the Rosary hosted by her dear friend, Lew (Blue) LeMeilleur. You will not want to miss this special tribute! Visitation will continue Saturday at 8:00 am until 10:30 am.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care given to Caleen by: Dr, Ken McCarron, a lifelong friend and classmate of Jim), whose patience and loving hand guided both Jim and Caleen in these final weeks of her life; the many kind
staff members associated with Amedisys Home Health and Vital Caring Hospice, especially Caleen's lifelong friend and classmate, Stephanie Leleux, the Chaplain with VitalCaring. There were MANY others who interacted with Caleen and Jim in addition to
the aforementioned.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences by visiting her
memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements
