Gervais graduated from Yorktown High School, and enrolled at Shenandoah University. She transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a degree in Art Education. Following graduation, Gervais taught Art in the Arlington County School System. Later, she worked as a bartender for several restaurants in Georgetown, including Morton's of Chicago where she was the first female bartender in that chain. Gervais was requested to model for both Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, but declined.

Gervais was predeceased by her parents, Nils and Gervais, "Gerry," Brekke, and is survived by her brother, Tron Brekke, and sister, Linda Brekke, as well as numerous other family members.

Throughout her life, Gervais had an enduring love of art, fashion, interior design, her cats, and, especially, her family and many friends.