Paulette Françoise Josette Collet

Our beloved and extraordinary "Madame" passed away suddenly, after a rehearsal with La Troupe des Anciens, on February 13, 2026, at the age of 99. Adored and adoring wife of Tom Mezei for 43 years. Paulette was born in Verviers, Belgium. After earning her doctorate in French Canadian literature at Université Laval in Quebec City, she taught at universities in the US before settling at the University of Toronto in 1967. In 1969, she began the course in classical French, focusing on Molière, that led to the remarkable 56-year journey that became La Troupe des Anciens. For her passionate commitment to French language and culture, Paulette received France's prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques and the Société d'Histoire de Toronto's Prix Jean-Baptiste Rousseaux. Paulette was beautiful, elegant, charming, a wonderful hostess, and author of numerous educational and academic texts. Outspoken but never falsely flattering, she was generous, kind and loyal. She will be greatly missed by her Belgian cousins, Francine Fagerburg (Ted) and Anne (Thomas); sister-in-law, Kathy Mezei (Bob); niece, Robin (Jay); nephew, Luc (Katrie); and her devoted actors and friends. Very special thanks to Eli Morad, Sylvia Soyka and Elisabeth Widner for their assistance and friendship. At Paulette's request, there will be no funeral; a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. If desired, donations may be made to the UHN Hospital Foundation.