Elise Caluda Erdal

Elise Caluda Erdal passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born on February 22, 1939 in New Orleans to the late John Louis Ber, Sr. and Thelma Marks Ber Wills. She was a graduate of L.E. Rabouin Career Magnet High School. Before retiring, Elise worked as an agent and office manager for Dave Brennan Insurance. An avid animal lover, she always had a dog and enjoyed taking him or her for a walk in the park. She enjoyed being at home and took great pride in it, frequently entertaining friends and family. Her parties often included sing-alongs with her guests gathered around her at the piano. Elise enjoyed dining out with friends, going to movies, reading books, and playing cards. Above all, her two children were her greatest source of pride: Chef John Caluda of Caluda’s Cottage Catering and King Cakes and Cherie Caluda, Associate Professor of Voice at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Elise is preceded in death by: her first husband, Warren Winfred Caluda, whom she married in 1960 and by whom she was widowed nine years later; her second husband, Ronald George Erdal, whom she married in 1980 and later divorced only to remain companions until his death in 2003; her brother, John Louis Ber, Jr.; and her step-son, Alex Matthew Erdal. She is survived by: her daughter, Cherie Elise Caluda (Steve); her son, John Michael Caluda (Deborah); her grandchildren, Nicholas John Caluda (Rachel) and Joshua Michael Caluda (Rhea); her great-grandchildren, Matthew Rex Caluda and James Michael Caluda; her step-daughters, Errin Erdal Bellan and Patty Ann Erdal Robinson; her step-son, Eric George Erdal; her step-grandchildren, John David Stroud and Justin Erdal; numerous nieces and nephews who thought of her as their favorite Aunt, including her godson, Shane David LeCocq; many life-long friends and last but not least, her beloved little Shih Tzu, Sunny.

The family would like to extend their special thanks for the compassionate care at Heart of Hospice during the last days of her life.

On March 20, 2021, friends and family are welcome to gather for a memorial service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 10:00 am. The interment at Greenwood Cemetery will follow at 12:30, where Elise Caluda Erdal will be buried beside her mother, brother, and other relatives. Life-long friend of the family and Methodist minister, Dr. Roger McGrew, will administer the internment and speak at the memorial service. Masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made in Elise’s name to St. Francis Animal Sanctuary, formerly of Abita Springs, LA but expanded to nearby Tylertown, MS.: https://sfas.mystrikingly.com.