Ilene Beatrice Ardoin, age 85, of Lake Charles, La., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Ilene was very involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives. With C.J. and Paul, she was Den Mother of the Cub Scouts and with Antoinette, she was a dance mom of the ballerinas. She was one of the all time greatest wedding and portrait photographers in Lake Charles. She witnessed hundreds of weddings and always made sure her brides looked their absolute best.
She, her husband, and children were avid tent campers, boaters, water skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts. They made numerous trips to Daisy State Park and later owned their own camp on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River. The family traveled all over the country on family vacations, then later she and her husband traveled abroad with Antoinette and the MSU Cowgirl Kickers. She enjoyed being a member of the MSU Faculty Wives Club and even served as President one year. In her later years, she joined the MSU Rough Riders for many local adventures. She and her husband, Chuck, were loyal MSU football fans for many years. Ilene was one of the first attendees of the annual Women’s Commission Fall Conference in LC. She attended faithfully every year until her health prevented it. She loved the idea of a conference just for women.
She was often seen out in front of her home tending roses in her very own rose garden. Those roses continue to bloom in her memory at her son CJ’s home in Sulphur. Ilene was an animal lover to all God’s creatures. She raised and healed many injured wild birds and squirrels. She had a special gift and a healing touch with all animals and kept several dogs and cats as pets over the years.
She answered to Sweetheart, Ilene, Mom, Grandma, and Mimi. But, when she was called she always answered. She happily kept grandchildren anytime Kim or Antoinette needed to work or travel. The grandchildren were always treated to creative games and “projects” at grandma’s house. She loved to tell stories and she had plenty to tell.
Family favorites were the ones about the three families living in one house in New Orleans during World War II. She was proud of her early upbringing in New Orleans and she loved talking about her formative years in Welsh. One of the greatest gifts she leaves for her family to cherish is her strong and steady sense of humor. Even during the toughest times, she kept our spirits up with a humorous thought or sentiment. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Ilene was preceded in death by her husband, Charles James Ardoin, her father, William Hudson, mother, Isabelle Hudson Fontenot and step-father, Wallace Fontenot.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Dr. C. J. Ardoin II and his wife Kimberly; son, Paul Ardoin; daughter, Antoinette Woodard and her husband, Rod; grandchildren, Lindsey Janies (Adam), Chase Ardoin (Alonna), Mark Ardoin (Johnny), Danielle Musgrove (Colton), Ashley Woodard; great-grandchildren, Parker, Brooklyn, Adrienne, and Rowan; sister, Cynthia Welch (Gene); brother, Bill Hudson (Shirley); sister, Susan Mayes; and brother, Jim Fontenot (Janie); sister, Mary Benoit (Butch); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at J. E. Hixson Funeral Home until time of service with a Rosary beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 25, 2023, at J. E. Hixson Funeral Home in the Chapel of the Lilys. Rev. Danny Tores will officiate. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Ardoin family.