Melanie Jill Champagne

Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 14, 2023

Memorial services for Melanie Jill Champagne, 72, the former Melanie Jill Robin, will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at First Methodist Church in New Iberia with Pastor Xavier Torres officiating.

A native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, Mrs. Champagne died at 5:55 p.m. on Friday, December 8, at Hospice of Acadiana’s Calcutta House surrounded by her loving family following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Champagne, a retired substitute teacher for the Iberia Parish School Board, had a rich and varied career. She dedicated three decades to the art of dance, owning and operating the esteemed Studio of Three Sisters School of Dance on Main Street in New Iberia. Simultaneously, she hosted several beauty pageants in the local area for the same time span.

Beyond her contributions to the arts, Mrs. Champagne was deeply involved in community service. For 30 years she volunteered for the New Iberia Downtown Business Association, where she played a pivotal role in organizing the annual New Iberia Christmas Parade.

During her academic years Mrs. Champagne pursued her passion for performance at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL). There she showcased her talent on the football field as a feature baton twirler. A proud graduate of New Iberia Senior High School and Boudreaux’s Dance Studio, Mrs. Champagne’s impact on education, the arts and community events will be remembered with great fondness.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years Murphy John Champagne Jr. of New Iberia; her daughter Marissa Leigh Lajaunie and her husband Chris of Youngsville; two grandchildren, Presley Lajaunie and Paisley Lajaunie of Youngsville; two brothers, Jeff Robin and wife Lynette of New Iberia and Darrell Robin of Portland, Oregon; and two sisters, Barbara Doiron and her husband Cliff of New Iberia and Melissa Bonin and her husband Wayne of Lafayette.

Mrs. Champagne was preceded in death by her sister Diane Robin Prioux of New Iberia; her mother Barbara Migues Robin of New Iberia; her father Oscar Joseph Robin of New Iberia; niece Robin Lee Doiron; nephew Clifford Doiron Jr.; maternal grandparents Eugene and Mable Migues of New Iberia; and her paternal grandparents Oscar and Sophie Robin of Opelousas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated healthcare professionals at Hospice of Acadiana’s Calcutta House who demonstrated unwavering compassion and care during Mrs. Champagne’s illness. Their tireless efforts, kindness and genuine concern provided comfort during a challenging time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Acadiana, as a tribute to the compassionate care that meant so much to the family during this difficult journey (https://hospiceacadiana.com/donate).