Patricia Dell Kuluz Caillavet

Patricia Dell Kuluz Caillavet of Biloxi, MS passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Adele Kuluz. She is survived by her loving husband of forty-six years, Wilfred “Kutta” Caillavet; her daughter, Judene Cook and her husband Joe; her son Cooper Caillavet; her daughter, Tara Caillavet-Morgan and her husband James; her step-son, Marc C. Caillavet and his wife Sondra; her step-son, Garth Caillavet; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Patricia is also survived by her sisters, Gloria Cruso and Joyce Glenn. She will be missed by her puppy, Copper, who stayed loyally by her side. Patricia graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Biloxi and attended Dominican College in New Orleans, LA. She completed an Internship in Diatetics at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Patricia retired from the VA Medical Center in Biloxi/Gulfport as Clinical Section Chief in Nutrition and Food Service after 30 years as a Registered Dietician. Patricia was active in many professional and civic organizations. She participated and served in various capacities including President of the MS Gulf Coast Dietetic Association, MS Dietetic Association and American Dietetic Association. Patricia believed strongly in her Slavic heritage and was a long-standing, active member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary serving as President and Vice-President as well as helping with the publication of the SLA Cookbook, the 50th Reunion and pusharata sales. She was also chosen as Mother of the Year for SLA and the Lion’s Club. Patricia was a member of TOPS MS #0219 and KOPS MS #0219 since 2002, serving in many roles including Program Chairman conducting seminars for various chapters and at the state convention. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Patricia and Kutta were members of Nativity B.V.M. Church as well as where her children were married. She enjoyed activities that included her family and many friends such as camping at Flint Creek, celebrating Mardi Gras at the lot on Howard Avenue and attending monthly lunches with “the cousins”. Pall bearers will be Marc Caillavet, Colin Caillavet, Josh Caillavet, Joe Cook, James Morgan and David O’Keefe. Her family would like to express sincere thanks to her family and friends that kept her company during her hospital stay and while at home. In lieu of flowers, the family prefer donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. Visitation will be at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. where she will lie in-state from 12:00p.m. until mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.