Individual Details

Burial

Obituary: LAFAYETTE - Marilyn Ruth Blakely Hoffpauir lived a life full of breathless moments. Born in a home on LaSalle Street in New Orleans on the 24th of July in 1934...her first "moment" was becoming a part of a family. Joseph Paul Blakely (Vuturo) and Edith Cecile Parr welcomed her into their arms where she joined sister, Elizabeth Gene. She would have another sister, Jeanette Ann (Tillie), and their family was complete. Raised and educated in New Orleans, Marilyn enjoyed a life full of sports and her share of mischief. She completed her education by entering Touro School of Nursing at the age of 18, receiving her degree in 1955. While at Touro, another breathless moment...Marilyn met the love of her life. Marilyn married Morris Sterling Hoffpauir in August of 1956, after a three year courtship.
While Morris was completing his ob/gyn residency in New Orleans, the couple's legacy of love began as they welcomed two daughters. While stationed in Lake Charles another daughter was born. The family then made Lafayette their home where the family grew by another daughter and finally...a son. Their children and their families continue this legacy of love...Karen and Mark Duplantis and Amanda of Parker, Colorado and Melissa of Chicago, Illinois; Marcee and Kerney Bergeron and Hannah; Melanie and Dennis Lowry and Peter, Henry, Lily and Grace; Laurie and Michael Stanton and Patrick, Rebecca and Jared; Morris, Jr. and Crystal Hoffpauir and Emilie and Sam, all of Lafayette. Marilyn had many breathless moments, those she savored for herself and those she lovingly provided for others. Whether it was dresses for her children and grandchildren, an heirloom baby dress for a dear friend or the wedding dresses she sewed for her four daughters, her gift of creating a treasure out of cloth and thread brought a tear of gratitude to many a heart. This was the first pleasure that she was unable to continue and was very hard for her to bear. Despite her longing to continue to live life to the fullest, Marilyn realized that the tennis she loved so dearly would have to become a spectator sport for her. She still met with her tennis "buddies" and bridge "ladies" for lunches. She realized the most important part of these activities wasn't what they were actually participating in but the friendships that had been formed and nurtured through the years. Marilyn and Morris traveled extensively, as they experienced many breathtaking moments taking in some of the sites the world has to offer. Whether with friends to play tennis, on mission trips, whale watching, whitewater rafting, hiking or "flashlight" walking...Marilyn refused to miss anything that life might offer around the "next corner". Just as she pushed her curfew to the limit as a child not wanting that light at the drugstore to come on...so she pushed herself to the limit in life...wanting to enjoy Christmas in her new home, listening to the trickling of the fountains in her garden, holding precious Amelia as she rocked on the front porch of her new home, sharing laughter, smiles and tears with her family and friends...and having any and every kind of dessert that her heart desired...especially those made with chocolate and bread pudding, "like her mother used to make". Life was indeed filled with many moments to remember as this was a family that loved to gather, travel and celebrate together. And as would be fitting, they all shared in this final journey as well. With the help of the newest family member, a stuffed bear named Patches, they shared thoughts, tears, fears and prayers as they struggled to make every moment they had...take their breath away. Marilyn was surrounded by her family and friends throughout her journey. Visits with her "Bible study ladies", tennis buddies, and bridge group were often highlights of her day. The visits and prayers from her church family gave her strength. Special meals and celebrations with her children and grandchildren made each memory... a "breathless moment". There were many "earthly angels" as she often called them...Betsy, Beverly Linda, Rosie, Tag and Dick and precious little Amelia, just to name a few... they always brought sunshine to her face. The "angels" Hospice sent were a source of comfort not only for Marilyn but the family as well. Rose not only was one of her favorite flowers but her "newest" dear friend. Donna was always there to see that Marilyn was comfortable and able to "live" gracefully. Lisa listened, smiled, hugged and dried a few tears. Marilyn's home and heart were filled with loving kindness unselfishly given and gratefully received. Marilyn died peacefully, Thursday, March 27, 2008 at her home with her family. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Asbury United Methodist Church at 2:00 in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church Building Fund, 101 Live Oak Boulevard, Lafayette 70503 or to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street Suite 200, Lafayette 70503, in Marilyn's name. Fountain Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery, (337) 981-7098, 1010 Pandora St., Lafayette, LA, 70506 is in charge of arrangements.