Hélène Darroze is a grieving woman. She announced the death of her father Francis Darroze on Instagram on November 7, 2021. Two days later, it was in the small family village where her late dad was also a respected chef that she said goodbye to him. during his funeral.
It is therefore in the church of Saint-Hippolyte, in Villeneuve-de-Marsan, that the ceremony was held. Hélène Darroze (54 years old) was very moved, holding in her arms a bouquet of flowers and a framed photo of her dad. Wiping a few tears from his face, the stove star and iconic figure of the show Top chef, could count on the comforting support of his clan, starting with his daughters, Quitterie (11 years old) and Charlotte (14 years old).
But Hélène Darroze also appreciated the warm presence at her side of her faithful friend, Laeticia Hallyday. The two women, who have known each other for a long time – Hélène Darroze is the godmother of joy – and together founded the association La Bonne Etoile, were seen discussing and holding each other by the waist, to soften this moment of mourning. Among the crowd of guests, we could also spot former rugby player Pierre Albaladejo as well as Maryline Issartier (former babysitter of Jade and Joy Hallyday, and ex-partner of Grégory Boudou, Laeticia’s brother). Maryline Issartier is now Hélène Darroze’s personal assistant.
All paid tribute to Francis Darroze, former chef of the inn Relay in Villeneuve-de-Marsan. A family establishment opened in 1895 by the great-grandfather of the chef and taken over by the descendants of the clan over the years. The family is all the more in the sorrow as it also faced another death in the wake: that of Claude Darroze, Helene’s uncle. He was a multi-starred chef and owner of the Claude Darroze House.