Marie Noëlle THOUVENIN

Essex - Marie-Noëlle Griswold, 73, of West Ave., died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.Mrs. Griswold was born on Dec. 27, 1931, in Vierzon-Forges, (Cher), France, the daughter of Maurice and Marguerite-Marie Thouvenin.She survived the Nazi occupation and Allied bombing of France during World War II and emigrated to the United States where she married Lea M. Griswold on May 31, 1959, in St. John Church in Old Saybrook. Together they had two sons, Oliver T. Griswold and Nicholas R. Griswold and five grandchildren, Lauren, Caroline, Wolcott Beck, Meghan, and Trey.She remained a French citizen all her life. As a young mother, she taught French in elementary school and worked at the French Library of Boston. She translated a passion for the arts into becoming an accomplished classical pianist and black and white photographer. She also ran "Portfolio", a gallery in Essex. Her great sense of style reflected the beauty she saw in the world.Marie-Noëlle is remembered by her family and friends as a passionate and bold woman who deeply loved her family and friends. Her wonderful sense of humor, a delight to all, was with her through her last day. Throughout her life, her "joie de vie" was undeniable. She lived her life with dignity, grace, and courage. It is with these same qualities that she met death with peace, surrounded by her loving husband and two sons.Mrs. Griswold is also survived by her two brothers, Paul and Andre Thouvenin, both of France and two sisters, Odile Remy and Nicole Michau, both of France.She was predeceased by her five brothers and sisters.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, in Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. in Griswold Cemetery on Monday following the service. There are no calling hours.The Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Donations may be made in her memory to the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.