Obituary: Michele Argence Meffert, 94, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of Shoreline Cremation:

Michele Argence Meffert, the elegant lady with the French accent, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, surrounded by family. Born March 9, 1929, in Valence, France, she was the daughter of Marius and Camille Tisserant Argence.

She survived the Nazi occupation of France during World War II, their home being taken over by a Nazi officer, with a radio hidden to listen to “This is London,” when the officer was out in the evenings. She could have authored a bestselling novel with her narrative, some disturbing, some very comical.

She immigrated to the US in 1949 and became a resident of Indian Neck, Branford, CT, when the screen doors slammed, and all the neighbors knew each other. In later years, she resided in her beloved Yalaha, FL where she had many friends, especially the “Fantastic Four.” She had a great sense of humor, loved swimming and exercising in the pool, and dancing. An avid crossword puzzler, mornings were not complete without the newspaper. To keep up on the current events in France, she read Paris Match magazine on a weekly basis. On occasion, she enjoyed a glass of merlot (or two!) with 2 ice cubes – not 1 or 3, just 2. She was incredibly loyal to family, while it was always better to be on her good side than not! She was a fierce lover of manners and etiquette – providing solid grounding in these areas to her family, some not as quick as others to adhere. Although refined, she was incredibly resilient.

Left with sadness, but the joy of having had her in their lives, are her children, Michele Infantino (Michael), Steven Meffert, and Helene Meffert Williams (Tom). Grammy to Terry Carten (Jane), Bryan Infantino (Sarah), Justin Infantino (Krissy), Christopher Meffert (Jessica), Stephanie Milano (Matthew), Tyler Williams, and Catherine Williams (David Reittinger). She was Mimi to 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William L. Meffert, Jr., and her daughter-in-law, Karen Smith Meffert.

Very special thanks to Dr. Lara Colabelli and her staff, Family Matters, and Home Care Plus Community Healthcare and Hospice for their kind hearts and hands.

Services will be private with a celebration of her life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation in Michele’s memory, please consider Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405.