Elyse Derbes

Elyse Derbes passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 81 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Born on March 16, 1944, in Los Angeles, California to the late Charles Joseph Derbes, Jr. and Marie Cronvich Derbes, Elyse was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart (Class of 1962) and Tulane University (Class of 1966). She moved to San Francisco in 1978 and built a beautiful life with countless wonderful friends. Elyse loved hiking the gorgeous trails of Northern California, live music (especially at Jazzfest), photography, art exhibits, dance performances, and the New Orleans Saints. An avid traveler, Elyse circumnavigated the globe many times over. Her bags were always packed, and she was ready to join any adventure. Elyse was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Joseph Derbes III. She is survived by five siblings: Sheryl Derbes Brown, Lewis Joseph Derbes (Sheila), Jean Derbes Ratte (Geoffrey), Denice Derbes (Michael Vales), and Janis Derbes deVerges (Paul); her twelve nieces and nephews: Charles Brown (Paula), Bryan Brown (Donna), Lewis Derbes Jr. (Sheri), Megan Derbes McCarthy (Dennis), Kathryn Derbes Ratte, Emily Ratte Pidot (Philip), John Ratte (Antonella Montagna), Hanlon deVerges (Rebecca), Douglas deVerges (Ashley), Courtney deVerges Connick (Lorcan), Andrew Vales and Christian Vales; and seventeen great-nieces and great-nephews: Lewis III, Molly, Garrett and Elliott Derbes; Elisabeth, Andrew and Audrey Brown; Colleen, Mairin, Elisabeth and Delaney McCarthy; Charles, George and Henry Pidot; Paul and Parker deVerges; and Brooks deVerges.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Elyse’s life to be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. on Monday, April 28, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 AM celebrated by Father Cassian Derbes, O.P. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Project Open Hand of San Francisco (openhand.org) or the charity of your choice.

The family invites you to share memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.