Joyce Darensbourg DeGrange

1931 - 2024

Joyce Darensbourg DeGrange, age 93, a distinguished educator and retiree from the United Teachers of New Orleans, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Mrs. DeGrange, born in New Roads, LA on June 27, 1931 to the late Joseph E. and M. Therese St. Amant Darensbourg, was the youngest of two sisters. Her elder sister, Virginia T. Darensbourg, preceded her in death in 2017. Joyce was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Elmore J. DeGrange, from whom she later divorced. Survivors include her beloved son, Paul DeGrange, retired Fire Prevention Chief of the City of New Orleans Fire Department, along with a host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory. Joyce passed away peacefully enveloped in the care and compassion of the staff at St. Clare Manor and Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge, LA, where she had been a resident for over a decade. A lifelong educator, She dedicated her career to teaching at Chester, McDonough #42, Higgins and Bienville Elementary Schools in New Orleans, shaping young minds until her retirement in 1987. She was a proud alumna of Xavier University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1955, following her earlier education at Xavier Preparatory High School (Class of 1951) and St. Peter Claver (Class of 1947). Relatives and friends, UTNO colleagues, New Orleans Fire Department personnel and all who knew and loved Joyce are invited to attend the funeral. A Mass of Christian burial honoring the life and legacy of the late Joyce Darensbourg DeGrange will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3368 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10 am. Interment will take place at St. Louis #3 Cemetery, located across the street. Visitation 9 am in the church. No repast is scheduled at this time. Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.