Paulette J. Haddad, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt, peacefully passed away at the age of 96 on July 4, 2025, while surrounded by the love and presence of her children.
Born to Pierre and Marie Morelet in Paris, France on July 23, 1928, Paulette carried the charm, elegance, wisdom, and grace of her Parisian roots throughout her entire life.
A proud World War II bride, Paulette left her beloved homeland of France at the tender age of 18 to start her life in the United States with her husband Alfred. Though she quickly learned to speak English, she never lost her first language, nor the lilt of her French accent that remained one of her most endearing qualities. As a devoted military wife and a dedicated mother, Paulette kept her family close, moving them to wherever her husband was stationed, be it Ohio, New Jersey, or overseas to France or Japan. When her husband retired, they settled the family in El Paso, Texas, where she spent the rest of her life; more than half a century in the home where they finished raising their kids. It was here that she worked and retired from the El Paso Independent School District. After her husband passed away in 1996, Paulette embarked on the next chapter of her life, one filled with spirit and strength, and which often involved travelling to visit her children and their families at their homes in California, Connecticut, and Texas. She also frequently ventured back to France to visit with her sisters, brothers, and their families.
When not traveling, Paulette was an active and engaged presence in her community. She was a member of the Society of Military Widows, a supporter of Candlelighters of El Paso, and she generously volunteered her time to deliver food for Meals on Wheels. In her downtime, she enjoyed relaxing by reading, watching old movies, knitting, traveling, and lest we forget…Paulette loved to visit the casino and try her luck with the slot machines.
Paulette’s life was a tapestry of rich experiences shaped by her European roots, enduring faith, and matriarchal presence in her family. As she grew older, her children and grandchildren made frequent journeys from all corners of the country to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and the joy of spending time with her. Paulette’s legacy lives on in the generations she helped raise and in the countless lives she touched with her thoughtfulness, generosity, and quiet dignity.
Paulette was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred J. Haddad, her parents Pierre and Marie, her brothers Jean and Pierrot Morelet, and her sister Jeannette Naeye.
Paulette is lovingly survived by her children Cathy and husband Manny Lopez, Jim and wife Elizabeth Haddad, Jeannine Fowler, Annette and husband Chris Senechal, and John and wife Sandy Haddad. She is survived by her grandchildren Richard Lopez, James and wife Patty Haddad, David and wife Krystin Lopez, Jillain and husband Marco Rodriguez, Jessica and husband Peter Nguyen, Alison and husband Luke Schmitt, Andrea Haddad and partner Mario Aragon, Christianne Senechal, and Danielle and husband Jared Rand. She is survived by her great grandchildren Lincoln, Mathew, Jonathan, Justin, Marco Jr., Carolina, Jordan and partner Sofia, Joseph and wife Milena, Gabriella, and Connor. She is also survived by her sister Annette Dreau and many nieces and nephews in France.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral service will be Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 8:30 am at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903. With interment to follow in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, Texas 79906.
Paulette will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Though the world feels dimmer without her, the light of her memory remains alive in celebration, in laughter, and in love. We carry her with us, always.
