Hattie Duhon Hemmen
Hattie Duhon Hemmen was 1 of 8 children born to Ulysse and Marie Broussard Duhon (Pop Pop & Mom Mom) in Maurice, LA on April 22, 1924. She was enormously proud of her Louisiana heritage, always referring to her home state as “God’s Country”. She grew up speaking only Cajun French until she entered grade school. She met our Dad, Justin (Jay) Hemmen, who was a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, in Orange, TX, where she was working in a shipyard. They married on August 3, 1946 and were married for 47 years until Daddy was taken home to be with the Lord on November 19, 1993. They happily welcomed 5 children and 2 grandchildren into the world. Hattie was one of the funniest people in any room (sometimes without even trying), and always had people laughing. She was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed gardening, bowling, cooking a mean gumbo or étouffée, and spending time with her girlfriends at their afternoon “Buffalos”.
She was very devoted to her Catholic faith, volunteering often at the church, the grade school, the high school, and other religious organizations. She and Daddy were among the first parishioners at Mt. Carmel when it was founded in the 1950’s.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jay, her parents, her brothers Pete, Velvet, Dudley, Loland, Paul, and her sister Annie.
She is survived by her children Dolores (Dinky) Hemmen, Justin (Skeet) Hemmen, John Hemmen, Christine Hemmen, Harriett Hemmen, grandson Justin Montgomery, granddaughter Jenna Gorup, and sister Gladys Cathey, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Hattie will be missed by a host of extended family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Hattie to Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Regina Coeli #1959, c/o Sophia Holton, 6960 Brace Street, Houston, TX 77061.
Aunt Hattie was one of my favorite aunts—my mother’s sister. She was always welcoming to me as I was growing up, inviting me to stay at their house with my cousins and to join the family on vacation. I always tried to stop by for a visit every time I passed through Houston. She did make us laugh, especially my mother—unless they were speaking about politics, where their views differed. I will miss her.
Aunt Hattie , I will miss you! Through my growing years you were so loving to me. I know you were very close to my mom (Lota Marie Duhon) . Now you can be with her and Paw Paw Pete Duhon in heaven . Celebrate life as an Angel watching over us . Love always your Great Nephew Perry
My condolences to my former classmate, Dolores (Dinky), and the rest of her family. My own mother died in 2011 so I know the loss you are feeling. Our parents worked so hard to give us a Catholic education at Mt. Carmel. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Hattie was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She was second Mother to my son, Cass. When I was working, she would take my children to school and pick them up when it was bad weather. I could always depend on her for a helping hand. She liked to speak French with my Daddy as they were both from Louisiana. I know she is happy with Jay in heaven. My sympathies to all of her family.
So sorry for your loss Dinky, I know she will be missed, prayers for you and family!