Hilda Gallassero

New Iberia - HILDA KILMER duBOIS GALLASSERSO, 82, passed away on March 24, 2011 at Garden View Assisted Living, Special Care, in New Iberia, Louisiana. Growing up on a rice farm with three brothers, she learned to swim like a fish, ride like a man, and hit what she aimed at. Her memorable childhood was followed by an interesting but challenging life. She fought an uphill battle with male editors, convincing them to hire a woman feature writer/columnist. She became a prolific, awarding winning writer of columns, features, and poetry; folk artist and photographer. Her journalism career included The Jennings Daily News, The Daily Advertiser, Opelousas Daily World, and she was proud to have her work published by such notable publications as Acadiana Profile, Louisiana Life, Editor and Publisher, World of Poetry, and Poetry of the Great South. Her writings can be found in the Louisiana Room at Dupre Library, Archives of Northwestern State University, Mulate's Restaurant, and the lyrics of the recording "Cajun, True or False" by Johnny Janot. Her columns over the years include Cest la Vie le Bayou, Tour Jours Tee Pere, Lil Cajun, Piquante, Hub City Off Beat, and many others. Her Cajun artwork was displayed at her art studio "PooYie" in Carencro, Louisiana, and various fairs and festivals, and the Cajun Room at Vermilionville.She was employed by Western Union traveling various cities in the United States, secretary at Schlumberger in Broussard, office manager of Shearson Hammill, newscaster on KJEF radio, and owner of Petroleum Secretarial Services. Despite numerous accomplishments, she will most be remembered for her sense of humor. Laughter was a constant companion. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Kilmer; her beloved soul-mate of thirty-nine years her husband C.P. "Chuck" Gallassero; and one brother, Calvin Kilmer. She is survived by three children, Regina (John) Broussard; Henry (Diana) duBois, Renee' (Harry) Hulin; five stepchildren, Nancy (Robert) Barrientes, Steve (Bonnie) Gallassero, Bruce Gallassero, William Gallassero, and Mary Kay (Peter) Judlin; two brothers, Jackie (Judi) Kilmer, J.W. (Bobbi) Kilmer, one sister, Katherine (Roland) Bertrand; three grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, one great grandchild, four step great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Lorena Alexander, companion, caregiver and friend; Melinda Mitchell, friend; Administrator, Sharla Aloisio, and all the workers at Garden View Assisted Living in New Iberia who cared for our mother. We could not have asked for a better home for our mother over the past four years.A note of special thanks and appreciation goes to Iggy and the entire staff of AAA Hospice of New Iberia for their professional, compassionate care of mom and their courtesy and kindness to the family. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date by the family. As per her wishes, her body has been donated for scientific study at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, after which the family will escort her to her final resting place among the giant oaks and water of her beloved Lowry, Louisiana. Contributions may be made to Alzheimer's, Louisiana Chapter, Post Office Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA, 337-365-3331.