Lucille Caroline Jaffe's Obituary
Lucille Caroline Jaffe (nee Gagnon) passed peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of September 17, 2020. She lived a full and active life, traveling to over 35 countries and living in five. Lucille had a generous spirit, fun-loving nature, and an easy laugh. Always a glamorous woman, she had a mischievous twinkle in her eye and greeted everyone with a warm smile.
Lucille was born on November 19, 1931 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and grew up with her brothers Bob and Paul. After school and junior college, she embarked on a modeling career. In 1953, she married her husband, Albert Jaffe, who was a lieutenant in the US Army.
Lucille joined Al in Alabama, where he was stationed and where their delightful son Bruce was born. Shortly after, Al completed his Army tour. After Al accepted a new job, they moved to Maryland and then to Florida where their lovely daughter Michelle was born.
The family moved back to Maryland where Lucille taught French in grade school and was a Cub Scout den mother for Bruce’s troop. A wonderfully supportive and patient mother, she taught Michelle how to sew and took her to classical music concerts and swim team every summer.
In 1970, the family moved to London, England where Lucille fell in love with the city, especially its wonderful museums and galleries. Already a great cook, she attended Cordon Bleu School and had an active social life.
In 1976, Lucille and Al returned to the United States, settling in Stamford, Connecticut. By this time, both children were attending university. A lover of fashion, Lucille worked at the better dress shop at Lord & Taylor. Two years later, Al became president of Mobil Oil de Venezuela and they moved to Caracas, where she provided him very graceful and effective assistance.
In 1980, Al became president of Mobil Exploration Equatorial Africa and they moved to Douala, Cameroon. After getting settled, Lucille became a co-founder and a president of the International Women’s Club (IWC). She organized donation drives and bake sales to purchase equipment, medical supplies, and an ambulance to treat Cameroonians in need. Before leaving Cameroon, the Governor of the Douala Province honored her and the Club in a special radio address.
After nearly five years, they returned to the United States and settled in Dallas, Texas. Lucille remained active in the IWC and became its President, serving for two years. During this time, the Club actively supported charities in several countries, including the United States. She also served as a Director on the Board of their Homeowners’ Association for many years. She continued to share her flair for style as a personal shopper at Saks Fifth Avenue. A lifelong bridge player, Lucille would host and attend bridge parties throughout her life.
Besides English, she was fluent in French, learning both as a child.
Most importantly, she took great pride in her family, as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.
She is survived by her husband Albert, her son Bruce and his wife Corinne, her granddaughter Nicole, her daughter Michelle and her husband Andy, and her lovely nieces and nephews and their children. She is dearly missed by friends and family around the world.
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