Lucille "Lucy" Albin Duczer

Lucille "Lucy" Albin Duczer was born on September 19, 1928, in Independence, Louisiana, and passed peacefully in her sleep on February 21, 2026, in Bossier City, LA.

Mama had a hard life. Born the year before the Great Depression, she grew up in Albany, LA, as the daughter of a sharecropper in a household with eleven other family members. They never owned a home or an automobile growing up, and they lived in dirt-floor shacks provided by the landowners. Food was scarce, but they made do with what little they had and any meager goods the landowners would provide. Mama could always be found in the fields with her Daddy picking vegetables and cotton for the landowners to sell. Despite the fact that she begged to go to school, she was needed to work in the fields. She only achieved a ninth-grade education, but this in no way affected Mama’s intelligence. She was a mentally strong person who wouldn’t give up on anything. Life experiences taught her a lot, and although she lacked a high school diploma, it never stopped her from learning. She could still rattle off her social security number and date of birth at the age of 97! She would help anyone in need, and despite the fact that at times she wouldn’t have much to offer, she still found a way.

At the age of nineteen, Mama worked in an Albany cafe; it was there she met Johnny Duczer, her future husband. Daddy was shy, and although he was there every day to get a cup of coffee, it took a while before he had the nerve to ask her out. They got married in April of 1948 when Mama was twenty, and together they purchased a small home in Albany where they raised their three girls, Cynthia, Darlene, and Claudia.

After living in Albany for nineteen years, they moved to Hammond, LA. It was there that Mama got her first job in the outside world at Walter Antin’s Jewelry Store. Mama loved working there and was proudly named the top salesperson, receiving a write-up in the Hammond Daily Star. Customers would wait in line just to have the privilege of receiving help from Mama. She was well-loved and respected for the entirety of her employment.

Mama loved her family and was happiest when everyone was together, especially on Christmas—her favorite holiday. She would put lights and decorations on anything that wasn’t moving in her yard, and she loved when people would stop by to admire it. Up until a few years ago, she continued to make Hungarian pastries and our beloved stuffed cabbage rolls, which were always a delicacy to us. She learned how to make these Hungarian dishes from her mother-in-law, Mary O. Duczer, who came over from Hungary in 1912. Grandma Duczer would demonstrate what to do as she had very broken English, and Mama spoke only a few words in Hungarian. She also had Daddy guiding her, as he was an excellent cook. They both took so much pride in whatever they did: cooking, housekeeping, or taking care of the yard. We were poor, but our house and yard were kept immaculate. Mama loved nothing more than working in her yard and planting flowers. If there was a vacant spot in the yard, she would plant flowers there, and they always flourished.

Mama loved all of her family so much, but was extremely close to her baby brother, Billy Albin. She was eleven when he was born, and after the midwife delivered him, she immediately handed him to Mama to clean up. She cleaned him, dressed him, and sat in their old rocking chair and sang Amazing Grace to him as he fell asleep. That hymn was a favorite for them both. Their close relationship endured throughout their lives, and they had such fun times together when he’d go visit her. There was always fried fish, French fries, Blue Bell ice cream, and lots of laughter.

She loved all her nieces and nephews and the grands that came after them. She kept a book of phone numbers and would call everyone for their birthday, holidays or just to chat. Many of those she leaves behind will sorely miss their yearly receipt of Mama’s “Happy Birthday to You.”

Daddy developed Alzheimers around 1990. Mama quit her job to take care of him, and she did so for the next twelve years. She did this with no home health, sitters, or hospice, as she was certain that no one would be able to care for him like she could. Toward the end of his journey, we moved Mama to Gonzales so she would have family around and we’d be able to help her. Her loyalty, love, and commitment to Daddy meant everything to her, and she continued caring for him until his death in August 2002. After Daddy passed, Mama put all her energy into yard work and growing beautiful flowers. She shared many good times with her next-door neighbor, Miss Irene. Mama never had a driver’s license in her life, but she’d get in the car with Miss Irene and hang on for dear life—Miss Irene didn't always follow the rules of the road. Mama would get so tickled at their escapades, and she missed Miss Irene dearly when she passed away.

Mama went to stay in Rogers, Arkansas, many times through the years with her oldest daughter, Cynthia and son-in-law Delton Cason. While there, she was doted on and treated like a queen. Delton cooked three meals a day for her and always had a freezer full of ice cream. Soft peppermints, her favorite candy, were always in abundance. While there, she was able to spend such quality time with her grandchildren, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren. They spoiled her with so much love and attention and always planned birthday parties, get-togethers, and dinners. She was the Matriarch of the family and was lovingly treated as such.

Covid hit while Mama was visiting, so she remained there for quite some time. As time went on, they felt Mama wouldn't be able to return to her own home as she was prone to falling. Sadly, Cynthia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and it was time for someone else to take over her care. In July 2025, Claudia moved her to a wonderful assisted living facility near her in Shreveport. She was able to visit all the time since she was only a few miles away. While there, Mama was loved by the sweet aides who took care of her, especially 2 aides, Jackie and Keisha who were mother/daughter. She loved when they came into her room because they would make her laugh, and they would stay and talk to her.

She is survived by her three daughters, Cynthia Diane Duczer Cason (Delton), Alana Darlene Duczer Burns (Jim), and Claudia Beth Duczer Venezia (ex-husband Joey, whom she still loved like a son). She is survived by five grandchildren, John Wiley Starks (Lori), Kathryn Elizabeth Starks Urban (Michael) Steven Kip May (Kay) and Adam Joseph Venezia. She had eight great-grandchildren, Danica, Kira, Emma Starks Hendrix and Ella Starks. Steven Sloop (Analyse), Gage Sloop, Justin Urban (Rosie), Nathan Carter May and two great-great grandchildren, Ariel Lucille Sloop and Noah Glen Sloop. Mama was still very close to Aunt Rosie (Uncle Billy’s wife), and they remained in contact until Mama could no longer talk on the phone.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Anson and Lula Jane Albin, her loving husband, John Steven Duczer, and her adored first grandchild, Jennifer Leigh May. She was also predeceased by five brothers: Aldridge, Layton, Alton, Dennis Ray and Billy, and four sisters: Eula May, Eva Lee, Betty Lou, and Irma Jean.

Despite all the hardships Mama endured, she continued to be a kind and loving woman who was generous to a fault. She maintained these wonderful qualities throughout life and was the last living Matriarch from her large family.

Because family meant everything to her, the service will be led by her great-grandson, Gage Sloop.

Rest easy now Mama! You were dearly loved and will be missed.

A private funeral service will be held by the family.