Lelia Clesi DuValle

On Thursday, September 13, 2018, Lelia Clesi DuValle, loving mother and Meem, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. 

Lelia was born on June 28, 1924 to Amelia Orfila Clesi and Joseph Nicholas Clesi Jr. and spent her entire life in New Orleans. She attended The Academy of Holy Angels high school, just down the street from her childhood home behind her dad’s business, Clesi Pharmacy. She received her undergraduate and pharmacy degrees from Loyola University, where she then went to serve the New Orleans community, as a Registered Pharmacist, her entire working career.

Lelia was an adoring wife to her husband George Anthony DuValle, affectionately known as Slats. They raised two children, Carolyn Rapp and Stephen DuValle. One of her greatest life joys was her two granddaughters, Aspen and Julie Rapp, and in her last 20 years, she shared a loving relationship with her longtime companion, John Dowie.

Lelia had a passion for big band music and enjoyed many nights dancing at the Jefferson Orleans. When she wasn’t traveling around the world, she spent endless hours in her kitchen baking and stuffing her famous artichokes. She was known for her quick wit, infectious smile, and kind and compassionate spirit. She was most proud of her 25-year stint as a volunteer naturalist at the Aquarium of the Americas.

Lelia was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband. She is survived by her daughter, son, and two granddaughters, as well as her son-in-law, John Rapp, and daughter-in-law, Leslie DuValle.

Her family wants to acknowledge and thank the wonderful care at Sunrise of Metairie, as well as her therapists.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend an evening visitation on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans. On Saturday, September 22, 2018 visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 9:45 a.m. at St. Ann Church & National Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, LA. Words of Remembrance will be shared beginning at 9:45 a.m., followed by a celebration of life Mass at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery, New Orleans, LA. Arrangements are entrusted to Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, (504) 482-2111. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com



 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lelia Clesi DuValle, please visit our floral store.