Worked together over 30 years
When Beverly Cazenave was asked in 1982 if she had any good candidates in mind to work alongside her, she didn’t have to think for very long to come to an answer. She believed her sister, Maisy Robicheaux, would fit the bill perfectly.
“They asked me if I knew anyone who would be a good worker and who we could trust,” Cazenave said. “I thought she’d be great. Not just because she’s my sister, but she had those qualities.”
That decision went a long way.
Maisy was hired and the two worked together for 30 years in the finance department of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, a run that officially ended on Dec. 29 when the sisters officially walked away and into retirement — and did it, fittingly, together.
Cazenave, of Luling, spent 35 years at the Sheriff’s Office, from her start in 1976 through 2016 — she took five years off after the birth of her third child in 1985. Maisy Robicheaux came on the scene in 1982 after her sister’s recommendation, giving her 34 years on the job.
“She gave me the chance,” said Robicheaux, of Destrehan. “She opened the door for me. It’s amazing to be able to retire on the same day. It’s a little scary as well. But we both knew we were in it together.”
The two agreed on the reasoning for their decision to stepaway, noting nearly in perfect unison that “it was time.” Robicheaux was the office’s Chief Civil Deputy, while Cazenave was the Chief Payroll Supervisor.
The combination proved a long term success — even if it wasn’t always easy.
“She probably wanted to kill me a million times,” Robicheaux said with a laugh (“I did!” added Cazenave). I love it. We expected more out of one another, because we’re blood. We had the same mentality and that same groundedness in what should be done.”
Cazenave said she never regretted her call.
“She made things better,” Cazenave said. “Before I got on board, there was one person responsible for it all. Then two. Eventually we grew to four. It’s tough to imagine how we got everything done early on … she took a lot of pressure off. And she was really good.”
Robicheaux said Cazenave taught her everything about the job, which she admitted was a lot of work before adding that the job came kind of naturally to both.
“We love numbers,” Robicheaux said. “I really wanted to be a sponge and learn everything.”
She had to learn quickly, at that. It wasn’t long before Cazenave stepped away to focus on raising her children.
Moreover, two other co-workers were forced out of action due to illness or family situation. Robicheaux had to take the lead.
“I had to pick up and go,” Robicheaux said.
Cazenave was gone for five years, in which time Robicheaux became entrenched in a leadership role. As the 80s came to a close, roles were reversed and Robicheaux was pregnant.
Things came full circle.
“They asked me, ‘who can we trust (to fill her shoes),’” Robicheaux said. “There was only one person. Isn’t that something?”
Each sister admitted retirement has taken a bit of getting used to, so far, but they’re also excited about having the opportunity to enjoy some new experiences. Cazenave hopes to take a family vacation in the fall, noting a trip up to see the Tennessee mountains could be in the cards.
Robicheaux said she and her husband plan to do “a lot of fishing” and have planned two trips later this year. Both noted the added time with their families is the best result from their respective decisions to retire.
“Honestly, I like the fact I can wake up when I want to wake up,” Robicheaux said. “I don’t feel rushed about anything and I can do what I need to do for my family. We have two new little baby boys, my grandbabies.”
Added Cazenave, “It’s definitely more relaxed, not thatwe’re not doing anything. I haven’t had a day to myself at all. Still feeling my way through.”
That said, they’re still willing to lend a hand to their now former co-workers, who they intend to remain close with.
“When you work in public service, everything isn’t the same every day,” Robicheaux said. “We want to be available to people we’ve worked with and to those we’ve helped. We’re retired but we’re still here and still a part of you.”
That commitment is consistent with the core beliefs they brought to their occupation each and every day.
“Our parents taught us, when you do something, you put your heart and soul in it and you do it well,” Cazenave said.
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