Marie-Odile Huberlon Langhorne

Marie-Odile Langhorne (nee Huberlon) transitioned peacefully on April 1, 2023 surrounded by her daughters and brother. Marie was born in 1952 in Normandy, France. As a young girl, she developed a love for horses and would remain an avid equestrian throughout her life. After finishing high school, Marie traveled southern Europe extensively. She went on to study English in France and the U.K. which ultimately lead to her lifelong calling as an educator. In 1973, an opportunity for a limited teaching engagement brought Marie to Louisiana where she quickly distinguished herself for her signature holistic teaching philosophy: learning a new language extended beyond the textbook and demanded an appreciation of the originating culture and current events. While living in New Orleans in 1975, she met and fell in love with Jackson Square portrait artist Jay Langhorne and they married in 1977. Making their home in the Bywater, they had their first daughter, Magali. During this time, she worked as a tour guide for French tourists visiting the state of Louisiana. Marie found herself missing the classroom and also wanting to pursue her love for francophone culture. Thus, she returned to start what would be a 20-year career with the New Orleans Public Schools as well as the work that would ultimately lead to achieving her doctoral degree in francophone literature. Along the way, she and Jay had their second daughter, Ophelia. Marie cofounded the first French immersion school in New Orleans, helping to instill a love for her home country in her two daughters where they travelled often to spend time with their grandparents and uncle. Marie was an active member and student of Unity Church of New Orleans. She frequently enjoyed the opportunity that Sunday service presented for jazz brunches with her family along St. Charles Ave. Marie was able to return to and share her love for horses with her daughters through which she eventually acquired her beloved Dutch warmblood, Trojan, who brought her many years of companionship and joy. In 2005, Marie evacuated her family to Alabama where she was quickly recognized and embraced for her indomitable spirit. Looking to move closer to her daughters and travel with greater ease to France, Marie moved to North Carolina in 2008 where she quickly embedded herself in the community through her active participation in the Spencer Historical Society and her professorship at Catawba College where she sparked new interest and life in the pursuit of French language and culture. With her colleague and friend, Ann Clifton, Marie organized multiple collegiate trips to France and Canada which had a profound impact on her students' lives. After 38 years in the US, in 2011, Marie became a citizen and proudly cast her vote for President Barack Obama in 2012. Over the last 15 years, Marie took great pride in her restoration of her Victorian home and garden which she lovingly referred to as "Chateau on Third". In 2018, Marie started her journey with metastatic kidney cancer and officially retired from teaching. Marie viewed this journey as an opportunity for reflection, introspection and continued affirmation of her life's purpose, an approach guided by her steadfast commitment to spiritualism and divine guidance. It can be said by all those who had the privilege of being part of what Marie affectionately called her "cartel" that she did her best teaching during these years. As her life reflected purposeful intent, she believed in "seizing the moment!" Marie has been remembered as intelligent, down to earth, cool, welcoming, warm, generous, funny and stylish. Marie had an impact on countless lives due to her devotion to integrity, honesty, advocacy for democracy and social justice. While celebrating her 70th birthday, Marie gave an impassioned speech expressing love to her family and friends and emphasizing the following quote overheard on her favorite Sunday news show, "I want to live for as long as I can and die when I can't help it. Let my old days be my best days." It should be said that to know Marie is to know that every day was her best day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanette and Pierre Huberlon and her ex-husband and life partner, Jay. She is survived by her loving daughters, Magali and Ophelia, her brother Jean-Pierre and extended family in France. The family wishes to thank their incredible circle of friends near and abroad (particularly the Clifton, Coggins and James families), Dr. Daniel George and the Duke Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins Weinberg 4A and palliative care teams, as well as Gilchrist Hospice. Given Marie's international footprint and in line with her wishes, celebrations of life will be held in Spencer, NC, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, MD and Paris, France at later dates. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Marie's name to causes that support democracy, wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous people.