Claudia Peyrefitte Verlander

It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Claudia Peyrefitte Verlander on March 13, 2025.

Born in 1924 and raised in New Orleans during the challenging times of The Great Depression, she developed a resilience and strength of character that defined her entire life.

Graduating high school at just 16, she went to work in payroll at The Army Air Base in New Orleans during WWII. With many nurses serving overseas, she volunteered on weekends as a surgical assistant, demonstrating her service and care for others as part of the “greatest generation” era.

After World War II, she married Walter C. Verlander, Jr. in 1947 and together they built a life filled with love, ambition, shared interests, and adventure until his death in 1999. With her support- she was truly “the woman behind the man” – Walter’s long career flourished from business analyst to President of The New Orleans Bank for Cooperatives. They shared many activities including bowling, dancing, bridge, tennis, and travel. Following his death, her role became defined as the matriarch of the family.

While her children were young she was a homemaker. She was an involved member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a docent at the Audubon Zoo. However, once her children were grown, and never to be defined solely by tradition, she obtained a real estate license at 55 and attended Delgado College receiving a degree in interior design.

Following the retirement of her husband, they moved to Houston to be closer to her daughter, Cheryl, and grandchildren, Marisa and Sloane. She and Walter were involved members of Ascension Episcopal Church. They were involved with the care of their young granddaughters. She was a long-time volunteer with Second Blessing. Her daughter, Janice, moved to Houston and helped with the care of Walter until his death.

Claudia is predeceased by her husband in 1999, and their daughter, Janice, who passed away in 2015. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Verlander and son-in-law, Chuck Bracht; granddaughters, Marisa Engelhardt, Sloane Danna, Cheryl Barrett, and Charlotte Gibbs, and her nine great-grandchildren.

As she wished, Claudia died at her home. That was made possible by her loving and caring companions, Tania Espinosa, Maria Marquez, Ana Padron, and Leticia French.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate the century of memories. She has left behind a life defined by strength in adversity, accomplishment, and the deep bonds of family. She will be dearly missed.