Because our lives follow the same path, one bio will work for both of us.

We were childhood sweethearts, dating through high school and marrying in November, 1962. Gene and I celebrated 46 years together in 2008.

Gene always liked mechanics so he took several jobs until he took over Carolyn’s dad’s business (Lester’s Refrigeration) in 1968. We were a mom and pop business: Gene was in charge of repairs and sales, and Carolyn was in the office. The business was very demanding, so we are so glad to be retired — which we did at the end of March, 2005. Most of our life was spent in Chalmette near friends and family.

We are so proud of our beautiful girls. Our daughter, Angelle (Angel), was born in October, 1963, and was followed by Wende in November, 1967.

Angel is a registered nurse and is married to Christopher Estopinal. They have a son Adam, who attends Louisiana State University, and Emily, who is in high school.

Wende married John Baudoin from Lafayette. They met at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Together they operate a business in Lafayette and have two children, Erin, who attends high school, and David, who is in grammar school.

We were lucky to escape the devastation in Chalmette from Katrina, as we moved to Lacombe two weeks before the storm. Now everyone wants to know the next time we consider moving. We miss Chalmette and our friends and neighbors, but we are happy to be closer to our children.

Life is much slower now and more relaxed with time to travel. We have a motor home and take off as much as we can with our furry baby, Millie.