Death of Jacqueline Denechère

October 27, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the death of Jacqueline Denechère, on October 24, 2026 in Angers, in her 97th year.

Jacqueline was “neither a hidden child nor a resistance fighter”, as she liked to point out with the modesty that characterised her. She was above all a very dear, loyal and attentive friend, who shared the private life of Odette and Moussa Abadi for some forty years.

A mathematics teacher whose former pupils remember her remarkable teaching and great gentleness, she took a keen and generous interest in passing things on to younger generations.

Those who heard her remember with emotion her presence on September 13, 2008, at the inauguration of Place Moussa-et-Odette-Abadi in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. With infinite delicacy, she described the “mosaic of little things” that made up their daily life: simple neighbourhood encounters, passionate conversations over coffee, a love of theatre and a categorical rejection of the superficial. A privileged witness of their discretion, she recalled that Odette and Moussa had never told her about the rescue of the 527 children before they spoke about it publicly.

Always faithful to the association’s gatherings and to the memory of her friends, Jacqueline embodied this faith in tolerance, respect for others and fraternity.

The association extends its most affectionate and heartfelt condolences to all her loved ones, and especially to her daughter Catherine, a friend and loyal member of our association.

The farewell ceremony will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Montreuil-Juigné crematorium (Maine-et-Loire).