Mary Alyce Duchesne

Mary Alyce Duchesne, 79, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Whitney Center in Hamden, Connecticut. She was the loving wife of Michel J. Duchesne, her husband of 54 years, and with whom she shared many adventures and a life-long love of travel and family.

Mrs. Duchesne was born November 24, 1941, in Pottsville, PA daughter of the late Milton Samuel and Pauline Muriel (Christman) Hermany.

A Francophile born in the shadow of coal-mining country, Mary Alyce’s intelligence, wit, grace and kindness enabled her to live and travel to points all over the world. She was an avid and gifted student and after receiving her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University she went onto to receive her Masters in French from the University of Wisconsin. It was there that she met and fell in love with a dashing Frenchman, who would remain the love of her life for over fifty years. Together they explored the world, raised two boys and lived in many countries and states, including Paris, Costa Rica, California, New Jersey, Connecticut and London. Fluent in French and Spanish, Mary Alyce was a long-time language professor at Quinnipiac University and made a lasting and positive impression upon all her students. With a natural golf swing, she loved the game and spent many an afternoon playing with family and friends at The Farms Country Club. She is likely playing bridge in Heaven and holding her own. Those who were fortunate to call her a wife, mother, grandmother, t’ante, cousin or friend will dearly miss her kind soul, caring, thoughtful and joyous personality. Elle avait une vie tellement glorieuse!

Besides her husband Mary Alyce is survived by her two sons Nicolas and his wife Katie Duchesne of Sacramento, CA, and Tom and his wife Rachel Duchesne of Bristol, RI; and grandchildren Lola, Max, Madeleine, and Reese. Known as “Mimère” to her grandchildren, her generosity and love will be forever missed but never forgotten.

A funeral for Mrs. Duchesne will be held 10:30 A.M, Friday, September 10, 2021, at Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 West Main St, Cheshire, 06410. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. A celebration of Mary Alyce’s life will follow at The Farms Country Club, 180 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford, 06492. A graveside service for Mary will be held 11 A.M, Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Jacob’s Union Cemetery, 9373 Kings Hwy, New Tripoli, PA 18066. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the graveside. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410, is assisting with the arrangements. Donations in Mary’s name can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven and the Whitney Center, Hamden.