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Julie Yvonne Hawkland, 61, lovingly known to friends and family as "JuJu," passed away Friday, October 27, 2017, after a valiant fight with cancer. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Julie spent the majority of her life in South Louisiana. Although a Texan by birth, she readily embraced the culture of south Louisiana with her love of family, Cajun cooking, music, and dancing in the kitchen. Julie is survived by her loving husband of twenty-seven years, Bill Hawkland; her devoted and caring daughter, Mary Renée Dugas; stepdaughter, Chantelle Dugas; and her three adoring grandchildren, Wesley, Griffin and Juliette (affectionately known as, Lil' JuJu); she is also survived by her immediate and extended family in Houston and Baton Rouge, loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends. Julie was preceded in death by her father, George Whaley; mother, Mary Josephine Whaley; and older sister, Trisha Whaley. A loving mother and grandmother, JuJu dedicated her life to her daughters, spoiling her grandchildren and enriching the lives of all fortunate enough to know her. She selflessly acted as a surrogate mother to many in need of a safe environment, guidance, a shoulder to cry on or a nurturing spirit. Julie constantly and generously gave of herself to others. Known for her outgoing approachable manner and ability to instantly make friends, Julie will be remembered and missed by all who knew her. Her signature sense of humor -- shown through her quick wit, clever sarcasm and lighthearted pranks -- will never be forgotten. Before moving to Baton Rouge, Julie served on both the J.T.P.A: Microenterprise Grants Program board in Lafayette, Louisiana, and on the Lafayette Area Planning Commission. She was a Director and President of the Acadiana Open Channel, and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate overseeing the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in deprivation proceedings for the Lafayette C.A.S.A program. Julie was a passionate advocate for dogs and family pets. She founded the American Biewer Club and American Biewer Rescue and spent the last years of her life fighting vigorously to promote responsible breeding and health practices for all family pets and tending to her always beautiful and vibrant gardens. An Irish Wake will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at 1pm at Blend in Downtown Baton Rouge, 304 Laurel Street to celebrate the life of Julie. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make a memorial donation in Julie's name to the Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge (caabr.org/donate) or Cancer Services of Baton Rouge (cancerservices.org/donate).
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6 Entries
Dear Renee I know how wonderful a lady your mother was even though I never got a chance to meet her by how wonderful a person you and your children are. Stay strong and JuJu lives on through your family.
Susan Duvic
November 16, 2017
Offering my condolences to the family, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. John 6 : 40.
November 13, 2017
To the Family, I am sorry for your loss. May your hearts find comfort in fond memories and God's beautiful promises for the future. JOHN 6:40
Char
November 13, 2017
Ray and I loved Julie dearly. She was a one of a kind person. Her heart was always there to protect anyone or thing that she felt was not being treated with the love and compassion she felt was right. She was brilliant, giving,loving like no one I have ever know. She had the integrity of a saint, because she was a saint. I could write a book on how precious Julie was to people, children, animals. She fought every battle with everything in her. I will forever miss Julie and be looking forward to our reunion in Heaven.
Ray and Sharon Elliott
November 12, 2017
Please allow your tender memories of your loved one to be a blanket over your heart. May God comfort and fortify you. My genuine condolences. (Isa 41:10)
November 12, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
November 12, 2017
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