People always remember people who helped them.
And the people certainly remembered Patricia L. Matthieu, the retired president/CEO of the $44 million University of Louisiana Federal Credit Union, who died January 15, the Louisiana Credit Union League announced.
She retired in December 2013 after 40 years of service at the Lafayette-based cooperative that serves more than 6,300 members.
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Over those four decades, she epitomized the credit union philosophy of "people helping people."
"I remember Patsy from ULFCU many years ago even before she became CEO," Marlene Foreman of Lafayette, wrote on the Melancon Funeral Home guest book. "She was so helpful in securing a home loan for us. She was always so pleasant, helpful and knew credit union. To me she WAS credit union."
"Sorry to hear of Mrs. Patsy's passing – she always had a smile when we'd go to the credit union and has been a great help to us in past years," wrote Jeanette and Jude Wickham of Lafayette. "She will be greatly missed."
Matthieu launched her credit union career in 1973 as a receptionist and clerk in a small office in Martin Hall on the UL Lafayette campus.
"She saw that small office turn in to a full service stand-alone location and was instrumental in every aspect of the growth of the credit union, including three credit union buildings being built or renovated," according to the Louisiana league's prepared statement.
In 1979, she became the loan officer and assistant manager until 2003 when she was appointed president/CEO.
Matthieu was inducted into the Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame in August 2013.
"Her hard work and dedication over the years have been a shining light to everyone who has ever worked with or for her," the league statement said.
Rechelle Whittington of Cankton wrote in Matthieu's guest book: "I worked with Ms. Patsy for over four years. She was the absolute best boss anyone could ask for. She was always there if I needed something. She will be dearly missed."
A funeral service for Matthieu was held Jan. 17 at the Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel in Carencro.
Matthieu, 70, is survived by her husband, Irving, of 51 years, two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.
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Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
