Mary Ann DeRise

Lydia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church at 2:00 pm Thursday, December 12, 2024, for Mary Ann DeRise, 94, who passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, at New Iberia Manor South Nursing Home. 

Rev. Randy Courville will be the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Patoutville. 

Visitation will be at St. Nicholas Life Center from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Thursday. 

A rosary, led by Tessie Perez, will be prayed at 1:00 pm Thursday. 

Mary Ann DeRise was born in Franklin, Louisiana on December 27, 1929, to the late Robert “Hoss” Perez, Sr. and Carrie Hebert Perez. From the age of two, she was raised in Weeks Island, Louisiana. 

Throughout her life, Mary Ann exemplified a spirit of dedication and service. For many years, she worked at Dorsey Insurance Agency, where her diligent work ethic earned her the respect and affection of colleagues and clients alike. But it was in her role as a devout Catholic that she truly shone. Activating her faith manifested in numerous ways; she was deeply involved in her church community, dedicating many years to teaching religion at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Through her teachings, she inspired countless young hearts and minds, instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and faith.

Mary Ann had a creative side that flourished through her passion for ceramics. She found joy and connection in participating in several ceramics clubs, where she shared her creations with friends and learned from others who shared her love of this art form. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Mary Ann enjoyed lively games of Pokeno, a pastime that brought laughter and camaraderie to her days.

The love she shared with her late husband, Roland, was a cornerstone of her life. Together, they reveled in the beauty of the outdoors, sharing many cherished moments while camping. Those memories made around a campfire and the tranquility of nature will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew them.

Mary Ann DeRise’s warmth, kindness, and steadfast faith will continue to resonate within her community and family. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.

Mrs. DeRise is survived by three children, Roy DeRise (Sherlyn), Mark Derise, Sr. (Julia), and Tena DeRise Gaspard (Russell); siblings, Carroll Perez (Delores) and Janice Aucoin; sister-in-law, Rona Perez; grandchildren, Leslie Hall (Jerry), Audra DeRise (Brent Touchet), Mark DeRise, Jr. (Lauren), Natalie Standifer (Boo), Russell Gaspard, Jr., Missy Dubois, and Lacey Richard (Bubba); 16 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roland DeRise; daughter, Penny Mire; brother, Robert Perez, Jr., brother-in-law, Larry Aucoin; and grandson, Jarrod Mire. 

Pallbearers will be Roy DeRise, Mark DeRise, Sr., Mark DeRise, Jr., Carson Hall, Jerry Hall, and Wayne Perez.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).