Allegra Phillips Derryberry

Allegra Phillips Derryberry passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was born on September 20, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and spent her childhood in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. She attended Oklahoma University, where she met James Robert Derryberry at a fraternity and sorority function. Their meeting led to a 63-year marriage filled with family, friendship, travel, music, art and a shared love of beautiful places. Allegra and Jim moved to Santa Fe in 1966, and then to Los Gatos, California in 1969, where they lived for more than 30 years and raised son John and daughter Melissa. Allegra’s father was a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, and she obtained membership for herself, John and Melissa as a matter of pride in our family’s heritage. Allegra was a devoted stay-at-home mother before beginning a career in finance, first at her local church and later at Citibank. After Jim retired from San Jose as Director of Planning, they moved to Santa Fe in 2004 and lived in Los Miradores until moving to El Castillo in 2024. Allegra had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. She was gracious, welcoming and genuinely interested in everyone she met, whether an old friend or someone she had just encountered. She had a rare ability to listen in a way that made people feel truly heard and appreciated. She loved entertaining in her Los Miradores home, where her wonderful taste and attention to detail made every gathering feel special. She found joy in creating beauty in many forms. Allegra loved flower arranging and regularly arranged the flowers at St. Bede’s Church. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, needlepoint, travel, art, music and reading to young children. She particularly loved visiting the gardens of England and discovering the beauty of new places. Music was another important part of Allegra’s life. She was a devoted supporter of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Santa Fe Symphony and enjoyed attending performances at the Santa Fe Opera. She was also an active member of PEO chapters in California and New Mexico and was a cherished member of her book club, where she enjoyed good books, lively conversation and lasting friendships. Above all, Allegra treasured her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, James Robert Derryberry; her son and son-in-law, John Derryberry and Todd Standley; her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Eric Bednarski; and her grandchildren, Jake Reed Bednarski and Lila Faye Bednarski. She also is survived by her brother, John Phillips, and sister-in-law Terri Perino. Allegra will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, creativity, style, love of beauty and the genuine interest she took in the lives of others. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and she leaves behind a lifetime of friendships and memories. Her family will especially remember the beauty she brought to everyday life and the love she poured into her family and home. A memorial service will be held at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe on Thursday, October 29, at 3:00pm, followed by a reception at the church. Interment will be in the memorial garden at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Los Gatos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allegra’s memory to St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale or the Santa Fe Symphony.