Lucette Rollet Kenan

Lucette Rollet Kenan
1920 ~ 2009

CARMEL - Lucette Rollet Kenan, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2009 at her home. Born in France in 1920, Lucette was always a Parisian at heart even though she has been a longtime resident of Carmel.
Lucette was educated at the Sorbonne, a prestigious University in Paris. In 1945, she was teaching French to officers of SHAFE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Europe) where she met her soon-to-be husband, Tom. They were married in dual ceremonies, one in France and one in Atlanta, and enjoyed 50 wonderful years of life together as a couple. During this time, Lucette continued with her love of language and teaching, authoring a number of textbooks designed to teach French to high school and college students. Personally she had deep interest in archaeology and became well versed in all things Mayan, Aztec, and Egyptian.
She never lost her love of France and would travel back to visit frequently. Her friends got to hear the rich descriptions of the many places she would visit and the often humorous situations in which she and Tom would find themselves. Lucette, from a young age, was fascinated by the history of France and knew it in great detail. Once, in her 20s, during an outbreak of the flu, she was called upon to fill in as a tour guide at Versailles since she had spent so much time there and impressed the curators with her knowledge.
While living in Carmel, Lucette's love of books and knowledge lead her to become a part of the Harrison Library Friends of the Library. She participated as part of the Board and in all aspects of the organization, but may well be remembered best as the author of the Library newsletter for many years. This became a passion with her and she would spend tens of hours researching a single topic so that she could make it not only informative, but interesting to the readers. These readers would often express their appreciation for allowing them to see things through her eyes, and ask her "What are you going to do for an encore?"
Lucette was a wonderful woman, full of life, cheer and intelligence. She has many dear friends who will miss her greatly. She is survived by her daughter, Dominique; her great friend and son- in-law, Tom; and her grandchildren, Katie, Rachel and Sarah. Those wishing to make a contribution in her name should please send these to: The SPCA for Monterey County - Humane Society, P.O. Box 3058, Monterey, CA 93942-3058.