Simonne M. Fischer

FISCHER Simonne M. Fischer, Ph.D., 89, passed away peacefully March 4, 2013 at her home in New Orleans. She was born May 23, 1928 in Paris, France. She survived the Nazi occupation of Paris during World War II and earned a degree from the Sorbonne. She came to the United States in 1948 to work as an interpreter for the United Nations. She met her first husband, Paul Sanzenbach in Albuquerque, N.M., where they were married and had three sons. The family moved to New Orleans in 1960. She earned her doctorate at Newcomb College in Modern French Literature in 1969, and taught French literature and French cinema at Newcomb College for 35 years. Her thesis, on French writer, Pierre Jean Jouve was turned into a book. Besides French literature, she was also an expert on surrealism and Dadaism. She remarried Dr. Jack Fischer in 1974. She was a member of the Causerie de Lundi, the Alliance Francaise and the Early Music Society. She was a tireless advocate in promoting French culture and language in New Orleans. She was instrumental in creating the Rare Book Collection at the Tulane University Library. She was also an advocate for animal rights and was a member of PETA and the ASPCA. She was known for her excellent cooking skills and her extensive knowledge of French cuisine. Her second husband was an anthropologist, and the pair spent their time traveling the world from the South Seas to St. Petersburg, Russia. In fact, she and Jack were married on the Micronesian island of Ponape. Jack had studied the culture and society of Ponape for many years, and the island chief had the honor of marrying Simonne and Jack. A linguist, she was proficient in five languages. A lover of films, she was instrumental in bringing cinema studies to Newcomb College and Tulane University. She was an art collector, and collected many works from local New Orleans artists. During her time in New Mexico, she became friends with Georgia O'Keefe. She was also a history buff and could amaze people by naming all the kings of France and England all the way back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. She was a classically trained pianist and an accomplished recorder player. She spent many years playing recorder in a quartet for the Early Music Society. A passionate, caring and talented woman, Simonne Fischer brought joy to all that knew her. She is survived by her three sons, Erik Sanzenbach, Conrad Sanzenbach and Nicholas Sanzenbach; two stepdaughters, Nikko Fischer and Maryanne Fischer; four step-grandchildren, Lauren Goldstein and Katy Goldstein, Annie Clemens, Wendy Fischer and Joey Fischer, plus many cousins in France. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Madeleine Cholin, her first husband, Paul Sanzenbach, and her second husband, Dr. Jack Fischer. The family would like to thank all the staff at Ochsner Hospital and Canon Hospice for their dedication and service during the last months of her life. A memorial service is planned for Saturday March 23, from 1-3pm at the Myra Clare Rogers Chapel on the Tulane University Campus. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, the ASPCA or PETA.