In the Acadiana region of South Louisiana, one family is proud of its multigenerational legacy with WoodmenLife. Meet Eurella DeRouen Cahanin, whose family has been part of WoodmenLife for nearly a century, living out WoodmenLife’s values of helping others and loving their country.
Starting in Tough Times
The family’s legacy with WoodmenLife started with Cahanin’s dad, Howard DeRouen Jr., born in 1931 when times were hard for many Americans.
“It was during the Great Depression,” Cahanin said. “My grandpa was an electrician in Rayne. My grandma didn’t have much schooling, so she had to go to work after his death in 1935. The grandparents looked after my dad and his sister while his mother worked.”
A Lifelong Member
Howard loved WoodmenLife his whole life. He bought his policy in 1949 and kept going to meetings right up until he passed away in July 2023.
“He went to a meeting just a month before he died,” Cahanin said proudly. “He never stopped being active.”
Howard’s love for our organization spread to the rest of the family, kicking off their multigenerational legacy with WoodmenLife. His stepfather bought a policy after he married Howard’s mother, and he became an active member. Cahanin’s husband, Keith, joined in 1979. Later, all their kids and grandkids became members, too, some right after they were born.
“We believe in what WoodmenLife stands for,” Eurella Cahanin said. “It’s not just about life insurance. It’s about community, service, and family values. We wanted to pass that on to our children and grandchildren.”
Changes and Family Traditions
The family has seen WoodmenLife grow over the years. In the 1980s, Cahanin’s mom was one of the first women to join, Cahanin said, which was a big deal back then.
Cahanin and her husband, both retired teachers, used WoodmenLife to teach their family important values.
“We wanted our kids and grandkids to care about their community, love their country, and know what matters in their town and state,” Cahanin explained.
Fun Times and Helping Others
Being part of WoodmenLife has given the family many good memories and chances to help their community. In the 1980s, they enjoyed community barbecues and fishing contests. More recently, they’ve done even more to help others.
Cahanin became the President of her chapter in 2021, when the pandemic was making things tough for everyone. She didn’t let that stop her. Since then, her chapter helped throw a big crawfish boil for their Annual Regional Event and had a special Flag Day event in 2023.
“We even won an award for the best activity of the year,” Cahanin said. “We worked with other local groups to have a beautiful flag-raising ceremony. It was really special.”
The Next Generation
Cahanin and her husband have two daughters, one son, and seven grandchildren, with all of them involved with WoodmenLife.
“We believe in what WoodmenLife stands for,” Cahanin said. “It’s not just about life insurance. It’s about community, service, and family values. We wanted to pass that on to our children and grandchildren.”
The younger family members are getting involved, too. Cahanin’s 17-year-old grandson, Garret, who was recently elected as Vice President of his chapter, helps give out flags, volunteers at the food bank, and works to make his community better.
“We think it’s important to get the kids involved,” Cahanin said. “We try to include them whenever we can.”
The family’s multigenerational legacy with WoodmenLife started with Eurella Cahanin’s father, Howard DeRouen Jr., who bought his policy in 1949.
Looking Ahead
Cahanin believes her family will stick with WoodmenLife for years to come.
“I’m sure future generations will be part of it,” she said. “All our grandkids are already members.”
By staying involved and helping others, they’re making sure the good values they believe in will keep getting passed down.
“It feels so good to help out,” she said. “My advice is to do what you can while you’re healthy and able.”
Written by: Diana Henry, Senior Digital Copywriter
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