Michelle Duplechin Lee, 57, passed away on January 14, ending a five-year battle with cancer at MD Anderson.
She is survived by her loving husband, John W. Lee, and her two sisters, Deborah Duplechin Harkins, wife of Dr. I. N. “Corky” Harkins and Rene Duplechin Garland, wife of Eric Garland. Michelle had one son, Corey Paul, who pre-deceased her. She also had two furry kids, Gracie and Drew. Michelle was retired from Smith Barney (Morgan Stanley), as Operations Manager. She retired early so she could dedicate her time with her husband, family and friends.
She lived life to the fullest, making it her quest to put the “extra” in ordinary in life’s daily events. She was always there for her large extended family to ensure that every milestone was a memorable one, from baptisms to graduations.
She would put a “Hat” on it, add a little glitter, and make magic. She became “Nanny”, “Grammie” or Auntie to those who touched her life. She enjoyed planning proms, catering dinners, carving pumpkins, decorating for Christmas, and being a part of their daily lives. Those nieces and nephews include Sean and Joshua Garland, Dionne Parks and Jude Duplechin, Gregory and Jason Harkins, Aimee Mayer, Heather Rabeaux and Joshua Butcher.
One of the family’s favorite traditions, started by Michelle and John, was gathering in Destin for Thanksgiving for the last 15 years. There was nothing better than sharing a glass of champagne on the balcony to toast each sunset with those closest to her.
While Michelle wore many hats, her greatest role was that of wife to her devoted husband, John. He was the center of her universe and she loved the be with him in all that she did----cheering on LSU and the Saints teams weekly, gardening, catching shoes at Muses Parade, playing slots at the casinos, toasting sunsets. These were her favorite things to constantly be shared with John. It was one of the highlights of her life to be wed to him in a story tale ceremony in New Orleans, second line to the Napoleon House, and celebrate with all the trimmings.
Michelle was blessed to have been supported by Team Michelle during her battle with cancer. The Team included Colleen Johnson, her lifelong friend, Yvonne Pena Butcher, her sister-in-law, and Sandra L’ousteau, her “4th Sista” from Lafayette. They complimented Rene and Deborah as caretakers and selflessly were constantly by her side in her fight to overcome her disease.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Michelle’s honor in Eunice, Louisiana on January 26 at Ardoin’s Funeral Home. Friends and Family will gather from 10-12, the Celebration at Noon.
Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave (337)457.3371 is in charge of arrangements