Julia Dudek

Julia Josephine Kappel Dudek, 89, native and resident of Houma, La., entered into Eternal Rest 1:40 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, in her home surrounded by family and friends after her battle with Alzheimers disease. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Chauvin Funeral Home, Inc. and 9 a.m. Monday, June 13, until service time at Chauvin Funeral Home, Inc. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 13, at Chauvin Funeral Home with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Julia, born June 7, 1922, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose kitchen table was the scene of many family gatherings and elegant meals. She was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Houma, La. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Eugene M. Dudek Sr.; one son, Paul Victor Dudek, who she greatly loved and missed; her parents, Henry Charles Kappel and Julia Josephine Kelly Kappel; five brothers, Hugh Kappel, Henry Kappel, Melvin Kappel, Lee Kappel, and Robert Kappel. Julia is survived by two sons, Eugene M. Dudek Jr., and wife, Caroline and John C. Dudek and wife, Tina, both of Houma, La.; three daughters, Linda Nicholas and husband, Hubert, of Gonzales, La., Nancy Robicheaux and husband, Aaron, of Houma, La., and Marcie Lea Melancon and husband, Steven, of New Iberia, La.; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Usey Dudek of Houma, La.; 17 grandchildren, Danna Caillouet, Eugene M. Dudek III, Charles Dudek, James Dudek, Tracie Dudek, Katherine Nicholas, Theresa Nicholas, Ricky Wiley, Julie W. Steigner, Carey Wiley, Casey Wiley, Mark Melancon, Rebecca M. Cavagnaro, Melanie Melancon, Matthew Melancon, Mike Dudek, and Kayla D. Breaux; a 24 great-grandchildren. Julia was truly the Matriarch of our family. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to special friends and care givers, Zenobia Bolden, Janet Brown, Molly Rink and Peggy Leonard, who with their personal and loving care allowed Julia to remain in her home throughout her illness.