Monique Faucheur Garrett

Monique Faucheur Garrett, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, Mimi, and friend to many passed away peacefully at her home on January 29, 2026. She was born in Paris, France, on October 28, 1937 to her loving parents Vincent Eugene Faucheur and Lucienne Boudet Faucheur. The tranquility of their young family was disrupted when World War II came to Paris. During this time, her father heroically served on the frontlines of the war and her mother tragically passed away at the age of 24 from tuberculosis. Following the war and at the age of 9, Monique and her father crossed the Atlantic to New Rochelle, New York where they created a new home as her father remarried Berta Ortega Faucheur.

Monique was resilient in adapting to a new country while learning a new language. Longing to again see her beloved maternal grandmother Paulette Boudet Dewulf who she affectionately called Mamie, Monique was reunited with her 10 years later. Monique traveled to Nice, France for what she fondly remembered as one of the best summers of her life as she soaked in the sun on the beach and her Mamie’s love and positive zest for life. Upon her return from France, Monique started working in New York City as an assistant for UNICEF at the United Nations. She met dignitaries from around the world, competed and finished Top-10 in a United Nations beauty pageant, and enjoyed daily adventures living in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Monique moved to Texas where she met her husband John in Houston and settled down to raise her two children. Monique loved children – whether her own or the preschool kids she taught – and did her best to nurture them with patience and kindness. Later in life she became a full-time homemaker and dedicated mother as well as a proud Mimi to all of her grandchildren. She was always excited to hear about their daily lives and rejoice in all of their special moments.

Monique always had a smile for those around her despite the challenges in her life. She demonstrated grace, poise, and resilience even though she lived through the war, lost her mother at 4 years old, moved to a new country leaving behind everything she knew, overcame a speech impediment, and battled cancer multiple times. Monique remained eternally optimistic and was resolute in finding the silver lining just like her Mamie had impressed upon her all those years before. Throughout her life, Monique stayed positive and sought out moments of joy – no matter how small – which she called “rainbows.” Monique was grateful for every moment as she often reminded everyone to “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

Monique was a kind, thoughtful, and inquisitive person often armed with her spiral notebook filled with notes and questions. She was pleasant, easy to talk to, and an even better listener. She was delightfully approachable with a warmth and unique ability to connect with anyone and make friends. Monique was a bright beautiful rainbow to those who knew her.

When not showering her family and friends with love and affection, Monique enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like reading, gardening, visiting antique stores, ballroom dancing, and rooting for her local sports teams. Monique loved playing Scrabble with her family which became a tradition when her father visited during the holidays. In her later years, Monique became a dog lover as Muffin and Mitch were her constant faithful companions while at home or on the road. Monique visited nearly all 50 states in America during her travels which included many scenic drives to her favorite destinations, especially the Rocky mountains and along the Pacific coast on Highway 1.

Monique’s journey continues as she anticipated the reunion with her loved ones who passed before her, especially her beloved mother – which she viewed as a precious eternal rainbow. Monique was preceded in death by her parents Vincent Eugene Faucheur and Lucienne Boudet Faucheur, and her stepmother Berta Ortega Faucheur. She is survived by her husband John W. Garrett II, her children Steven John Garrett and Michelle Stapleton McIlvoy, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on February 12, 2026 with interment immediately following at the Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery located at 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.