Charmaine Marie Bordelon

Lafayette - Charmaine Marie Bordelon, a passionate biologist, dedicated animal rescuer, and skilled artisan, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025 at the age of 74. Charmaine held a deep and enduring love for the natural world. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and her Master of Science degree in Biology from Georgetown University. Her passion was entomology, and she found joy in the intricate beauty of all living things, from insects and plants to small animals. Her compassion extended to the smallest creatures in need. Over her lifetime, Charmaine opened her heart and home to countless stray kittens and cats, rescuing, fostering, and caring for them with unwavering devotion. A lifelong learner, Charmaine was a prolific reader whose interests spanned the literary spectrum, from the delicate beauty of poetry to the expansive imaginations of science fiction, with a constant focus on non-fiction science. She possessed the hands of an artisan and found great satisfaction in the traditional craft of spinning wool. She meticulously cleaned and carded raw fleece before transforming the fibers into beautiful, smooth and even yarn using a drop spindle or one of her treasured spinning wheels. This hand-spun yarn was then knitted into cozy socks, mittens, scarves, and sweaters, a true testament to her skill and patience. Charmaine was also a meticulous restorer and collector of sewing machines. Armed with her own set of gunsmith screwdrivers, she lovingly maintained and brought back to life machines ranging from antique hand-crank as well as treadle models to vintage electric ones. Far from merely collecting, she took pride in sewing on every single machine she restored, ensuring each one continued its functional life. She leaves behind her husband Dr. Henry Chu, her brothers Keith (Ruby) and Bryan, and Bryan's son, her nephew, Joshua. Her family will cherish the memory of her intelligence, kindness, unique talents, and generous spirit. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Shameem Akhtar, Dr. Michael Cain, and Dr. Ladislas Lazaro for their years of dedicated and compassionate care. Donations may be made in Charmaine's memory to the meowWOOF Animal Collective (www.meowwoofcafe.org), or a local animal rescue organization. Per her wishes, a private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Charmaine Marie Bordelon

September 24, 1951 - November 15, 2025