Monique Charlotte (Charpentier) Lavergne

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Monique Charpentier Lavergne passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 88 on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Monique was born in France in the beautiful village of Barbizon, near the Fontainebleau Forest, on January 2, 1933 to Roger and Marguerite Charpentier. Monique grew up in Barbizon in their family’s home that was built by her father, along with her siblings Guy, Giselle, Yvan, Christian, Nicole and Colette.

Life was peaceful in Barbizon until the Germans invaded France in 1940. Monique’s family fled the Nazis on foot with a gun hidden under their youngest child, Colette, in a baby carriage. The family home was used as an operations center by the Nazis since it stood at a corner that allowed a view of the main thoroughfare in Barbizon and it was a sturdy house with thick walls. Upon their return, after the allies defeated the Nazis, the family found bullet holes in the outside walls of their home, presumably where dissenters were executed.

After high school, Monique worked as a receptionist and house attendant at the Fontainebleau residence of General Lauris Norstad, the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, reporting to General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of NATO. Monique met General Eisenhower and his wife Mamie several times, which led to a lifelong relationship with his family. At the invitation of General Norstad, Monique attended a military ball in Fontainebleau, where she met the love of her life, Dimmick Joseph Lavergne. Dimmick was a handsome Air Force serviceman who had gained a reputation at the local French gymnasiums as a talented basketball player. In addition, Dimmick spoke French, having grown up in Louisiana with Acadian French heritage.

Monique and Dimmick were married in Barbizon, France on March 19, 1953, surrounded by Monique’s family. Their wedding was held at the lovely Chapelle Notre Dame de la Perseverance, a historic chapel in Barbizon. Monique and Dimmick raised a family of four children together while Dimmick pursued his Air Force career. They traveled the world, eventually settling in Colorado Springs. Their first child, daughter Kathy, was born in 1954 in Fontainebleau, France. Their son Patrick was born next in 1957 in Morgan City, Louisiana. Their third child, son Danny was born in 1959 in Weisbaden, Germany. Their youngest child, daughter Jackie, was born in 1963 in Fairfield, California. Dimmick and Monique lived in France, Germany, Libya, Louisiana, California, Texas and Colorado.

Monique, or Grandma, as she was known to those closest to her, was a lively French woman who cared deeply about her family. She and Dimmick were actively involved in their children’s education and sports. They attended all of their children’s sporting events together to cheer them on, and later attended their grandchildren’s games as well. Monique and Dimmick remained married for 65 years, until his death in December of 2018.

Monique had a love of fashion, and as her children grew older she worked in a small clothing store in a bowling alley and later in a women’s clothing store, Casual Corner, in the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs. She advised many women regarding the latest trends, helping them with just the right clothing and jewelry. Monique also loved America, and was proud to become an American citizen on June 23, 1995.

Family:

Monique is preceded in death by her husband Dimmick Joseph Lavergne, and her siblings Guy, Giselle, Yvan, and Christian. She is survived by her sisters Colette Cosculluela and Nicole Bourgoin, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren:

- Daughter Katherine Lavergne Czabaranek, grandchildren Nicholas John Czabaranek, Stephen Christopher Czabaranek (Marielle) and Christina Katherine Mertz (Andrew).

- Son Patrick Dimmick Lavergne (Susan), grandchildren Christine Lavergne Links (Travis), Alexander Patrick Lavergne (fiancée Kelly), and Adrien Matthew Lavergne; great grandchildren Hunter Patrick Links, Bailey Grace Links, Brooks Howard Links and Madison Ann Links

- Son Danny Joseph Lavergne (Pam), grandchildren Taylor Wayne Lavergne, Ryan Neil Lavergne (fiancée Michelle) and Barrett Austin Lavergne (Kristin), great grandchildren Ryleigh Madyson Lavergne, Harper Reese Lavergne and Adalyn Elizabeth Lavergne.

- Daughter Jacqueline Margueritte Goodman (Tony), grandchildren Victoria Erin Goodman (Allie), Tony Dimmick Joseph Goodman (Devin), and Kacey Goodman Toney (Derek); great grandchildren Knova Jean Toney, Nevaeh Jaymes Toney and Timber Chevelle Toney

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Memorial Gardens,

3825 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs.

10:00 am Visitation

11:00 am Funeral Service

12:00 am Reception

The burial will follow at Pikes Peak National Cemetery

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com

Heartfelt Donations can be made in her honor at:

Dementia Society of America

www.dementiasociety.org

American Heart Association

www.heart.org