Simone Paillet

Mystic — Simone Christiane-Lucie Paillet, of Mystic, entered this life Jan. 27, 1939, in Fontainebleau, France, and left this earthly world Feb. 25, 2021, at 82 years of age, in New Haven, after a brief illness.

In 1958, Simone left France at the young age of 19 to find opportunity in America. She was employed as a clinical research scientist over the span of many years at the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University and Brown University, before joining the Pfizer Corporation in 1975. Simone had a long and prestigious career with many publications and studies to her credit. Simone came into a world that offered very few privileges to young professional women, but due to her tenacity and sheer determination, her story became a unique and powerful one where she unknowingly helped move the needle for all women. After a long career, she retired from Pfizer in 1998; and she took the opportunity to see the world with friends. In 2018, after nearly 60 years of living in the United States, she became a U.S. citizen, and nothing pleased her more than to finally take that oath of allegiance. Simone always possessed a strong work ethic and an indelible zest for adventure, but we would be remiss not to mention her golden touch when it came to the Luck of the Slots. With all that she accomplished in her lifetime, her most prized achievement in this world came in the form of her son Eric. For 52 years, Simone poured every ounce of her love and support into making sure he always felt loved and cherished.

Simone was preceded in death by her parents, Andre and Yolande Paillet; and sister-in-law Ann-Marie Paillet. She is survived by her son Eric Paillet of Delray Beach, Fla. and two grandsons, Christian and Garrison Paillet; and two bonus daughters, Teddie and Diane. She is also survived by her sisters, Lydie Marsol and her husband Pierre of Paris, France and Annick Janvier and her husband Nicola of Normandy, France; and her brother Daniel Paillet of Cannes, France; nephews, Fabrice Paillet, Olivier Marsol, Jacques Marsol, Raphael Janvier, Alexandre Janvier, Antoine Janvier and Martin Janvier; and many great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date at the convenience of the family at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton. The Mystic Funeral Home is handling Simone’s arrangements.