Catherine Bertucci DeRouen

Catherine Bertucci DeRouen passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home on the night of May 9th 2020. She was 94 years old. Mrs. DeRouen was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death. She was the cherished wife of Earl DeRouen and is survived by her brother Richard Bertucci and three children. In death, Mrs. DeRouen will be joining her husband Earl DeRouen, parents Salvadore Bertucci and Ada Bertucci (nee Bulger); and her four siblings: Agatha Coats Hymel (nee Bertucci), Marion, Anthony, and Valerie Bertucci.
Mrs. DeRouen was a resident of Lakeview in New Orleans, where she grew up with her parents and five brothers and sisters. She attended high school in New Orleans and competed in track and field. Friendly and outgoing, a young Catherine would sweep her neighbors' sidewalks in exchange for cookies. Her sweet tooth was legendary. A devoted Catholic, religion was a strong force in Catherine's life and taught her the importance of service. She belonged to numerous charitable organizations and embraced every opportunity to support her community. Mrs. DeRouen was a member of March of Dimes for over twenty years, ultimately attaining the rank of captain in the organization through her dedication, commitment, and hard work. Catherine also belonged to the Catholic Sultanas of New Orleans. As a Sultana, she volunteered and raised money for Saint Dominic Church and many of the city's Catholic schools. Mrs. DeRouen was a warm person of high character who was open and gracious to neighbors and strangers alike. She had a positive outlook to life and kept negative opinions to herself. Catherine was also a masterful storyteller and would entertain her friends and family by narrating tales from days past. Her memory and recall were extraordinary. Most importantly, family was central to Mrs. DeRouen's life. She married Earl at age 19 and they lovingly raised three children. Together, Earl and Catherine ran the family electrical business, Control Masters, Inc. They were married for over seventy-three years. Mrs. DeRouen was an active and involved parent to her children and an affectionate mother. As a Girl Scout den leader, she touched the lives of over 50 girls. Catherine was the loving mother to Earl Michael DeRouen, Catherine "Kathy" Young (nee DeRouen), and Marianne DeRouen-Beary; grandmother to Philip and Clifton Beary, Bailey DeRouen, and Nicole and Geraud Young; and great-grandmother to Corinne and Nathan Beary. Mrs. DeRouen had a long life filled with love and family. She is dearly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Saint Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.