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Suzanne G. Joyeuse

Suzanne Joyeuse

Suzanne G. (Bouffon) Joyeuse, 90, of McKenzie Pond Road, Saranac Lake, passed away March 4, 2020 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, having been surrounded by devoted family and friends.

Born Oct. 15, 1929 in Autun, France, to Berthe Marie Marcelin and Charles Bouffon, “Maman,” as she was affectionately known to those closest to her, was raised in Saulieu, France, and resided in Paris, Washington, D.C., Corsica, France, Rochester, Minnesota, Los Angeles, California, Kailua, Hawaii, Plainfield, New Jersey, South Williamson, Kentucky, Kinnelon, New Jersey, Wassaic, New York, Tupper Lake, Dannemora and Saranac Lake. She enjoyed life fully. Her elegance, infectious smile and sense of humor filled her home with love and happiness.

Suzanne studied nursing and graduated from the Ecole Des Imfermmier Sorbonne, Paris, France, in 1954. While at the University of Paris, Suzanne met her husband, Dr. Rene Joyeuse, of Zurich, Switzerland. The couple married in 1955 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, also known as the Church of the Presidents, Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Suzanne worked as a surgical nurse at the Mayo Clinic, supporting Rene (“Papa”) while he achieved his M.S. degree in surgery from the University of Minnesota and UCLA research.

Maman led an extraordinary life. Enduring World War II as a child, she persevered and excelled as a compassionate nurse, wife and mother. A mere poule, she directed a household raising two sons, volunteering as a Cub Scout den mom and French teacher. Later in life, she is remembered with fondness for her hats, fresh flowers, Chanel No. 5 and her favorite blanket while enjoying cold cafe, avidly watching the news, visiting with friends and spoiling her petit chien Biscuit.

Surviving are her two children, Marc-Jerome (Elizabeth) of Kinnelon, New Jersey, and Remi-Pascal of Saranac Lake; two grandchildren, Zane and Savana of Knoxville, Tennessee; and niece Elaine of France.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life is TBD. Interment will take a place at a later date to be announced at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to the Saranac Lake Humane Society. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.