1954-2026
Lucette Marguerite Tamin (Dessaut), age 93, affectionately known as "Grandma Lu" and "Lulu" passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Centre Care Nursing Home in Bellefonte, PA, where she was a resident. She was the daughter of the late Henri Dessaut and Mary Louise Dessaut (Manciet).
On January 12, 1954, Lulu married her late husband, Alfred "Al" Tamin in Plaisance, France, where she was born and raised. In her younger years, Lulu learned to play the violin. She was musically talented with instruments and also loved to dance. Lulu worked as a bookkeeper for a few years before moving across the Atlantic, shortly after marrying, to Brockport, PA. Lulu and Al raised a family there and also became owners of the BP Inn for many years. She was especially proud of learning the English language through the mail from a college in Philadelphia.
Lulu was famous for making the delicious BP Inn hot dog sauce, well known to many to this day. She stocked, prepared, and cooked all the menu items through the years, fiercely working seven days a week. She loved to bake all kinds of goodies, especially for her grandchildren. Lulu gained her culinary skills from her late father, who owned a bakery in Plaisance, France.
Over time, Lulu absolutely loved watching golf and football, closely following the Steelers and Nittany Lions. It was a hoot to watch her yell at the television in her precious French accent. Lulu also closely watched the Young and the Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful. She absolutely could not be bothered during those times while at Centre Care and all the staff knew it. She was a "rockstar" there; everyone adored her. Lulu also loved her trips "up north" with her BFF Caroline Lyle. They were two peas in a pod, sharing a special bonded friendship for decades.
Lulu's absolute greatest joy in life was her family, her kids, grandchildren and greats. They were the loves of her life. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren through their younger years and has endlessly spoken of the moments to this day. She cherished those memories with every fiber of her soul. Rest easy Grandma Lu, you have loved unconditionally and are loved endlessly very deeply. "We love you more!"
Lulu is survived by her son, Carl Tamin (Peggy), Brockport, PA; daughter, Caroline "Kiki" O'Keefe-Tamin (Doreen), Bellefonte, PA; grandson, Joshua Tamin (Tara), Baldwin, PA; granddaughter, Jessica McIlvaine (Jesse), Brookville, PA; grandson Jacob Tamin, Brockport, PA; great grandchildren, Kairys Martini, Brevyn Martini, Riekyr McIlvaine, Coehyn McIlvaine, and Aubrey Tamin; niece Christine Cassarino, nephews Michel and Claude Dessaut, several great nieces and nephews, France; and her BFF, Caroline Lyle.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lulu was preceded in death by a brother, Ratou Dessaut; sister, Liliane Cassarino; and an infant sister.
There will be no public visitation. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 13 at 1:30 PM at the Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway with Fr. John Detisch officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brandy Camp. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
