Colette Hitchings

Colette Hitchings passed away on Dec. 12, 2016 just a few days after her 90th birthday. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Dave and great grandson Landon. She is survived by her two sons Yann (Ginny) and Gilbert. She also has left behind three grandchildren; Jonathon, Christopher and Sofia; and one great grandchild, Deryck.

Colette’s life journey began in Paris, France. Born on Dec. 7, 1926 she spent most of her young childhood in Catholic boarding school. Her most joyful days were summertime when she stayed with her grandparents on their farm in southern France. Her grandparents meant more than anything else to her in that time. Her grandmother became the inspiration that formed the rest of her life.

During Colette’s teen years World War II began and soon after the Germans occupied France. She witnessed and lived all the horrible events the war would bring. From her friends being pulled from their homes in the middle of the night, to the horrific day and night bombings by Allied forces, to the eventual VE Day when the American forces came marching through Paris, she was there.

After boarding school, she began working in fashion and modeling for a big department store in Paris. During that time she was able to travel Europe and parts of Africa. Being an only child she did not have much family to be with, but as beautiful and elegant as she was she always had an abundance of friends in her life.

This was the time in her life when she met the love of her life. He was a handsome young GI stationed in Germany. His name was Horace “Dave” Hitchings. After a short courtship Colette became pregnant just as Dave was being stationed stateside. He promised her he would come back to get her. Her first son, Yann, was born in 1954 and she waited for her love to come. Despite her family and friends telling her he would never come, she still waited, and in 1959 Dave came back for her. They were married in Paris and moved on to the United States. Her French life was over and her new life was just beginning.

Mr. and Mrs. Hitchings’ first station was in upper peninsula Michigan. In 1960 their second son, Gilbert, was born. Those first four years in Michigan were very hard on Colette. The winters were brutal, it was a far cry from Paris and she did not speak any English. But she worked very hard to take care of her family. It was at that time in her life where her strong will, her fighting instincts, her superwoman qualities really began to mold who she was. One beautiful, elegant French woman with the will of a warrior.

After a short assignment in Illinois and one year in Florida our family moved to Tucson, AZ in 1964. It was here that Colette lived the longest part of her life. She loved the desert so much that Tucson became her only home. She was convinced that France was where she came from, but Tucson was where home was. A big reason for that was because of all the wonderful people that came into her life. Immediately upon arriving in Tucson two families came into our lives and helped us along. The Adams and the Miller family, along with their extended families, truly convinced our mom she was here to stay and call this home. That was the first time Colette had true friends since coming to America. They were a family she never had. She was forever grateful for their friendship.

During Colette’s “Coco” life she served and helped many people along the way. Working in the service and retail sales industry she met many people who always remembered that little French lady making their life a little better. She was a relentless hard worker, trying to make other peoples’ lives better, while sacrificing and depriving herself. In the 60’s she worked at Tucson Grayhound Park, where she waited on many celebrities, athletes, politicians and many more. She always gave her best service to everyone, no matter who they were. And yet, the likes of Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Lee Marvin and even the infamous Joe Bonanno always requested the little French lady to wait on them.

Those who knew and cherished Colette would call her Coco, a name she was given by her grandmother in childhood. Calling her Coco always brought a beautiful smile on her face.

In the 70’s Coco worked retail sales for a local department store, Levy’s. Although the store changed names many times Coco was a permanent fixture behind the accessories counter. Again she worked very hard, never missing a day, to help everybody and anybody find that special item for their occasion. Working in fashion earlier in her life she had impeccable taste and everybody would come back over and over again to get her advice. Coco made such a difference in people’s lives when they walked through that accessories department, she will never be forgotten.

In 1992 her husband, Dave, passed away and she decided to go back to helping her family once again. She devoted herself to her sons, their families and the grandkids in her life. Coco was always there for us no matter what we needed. Her love was unconditional and her devotion was nonstop, never thinking of herself.

Coco took on one more duty before Alzheimer’s began to take a toll on her life. She was so involved with her grandkids’ lives that she volunteered at their schools so she could be with them more. It wasn’t long before every kid in the schools knew who Coco was. Coco had a deep passion for loving all children that it was a joy watching her bring happiness to every boy and girl everyday they were coming or leaving school. She made a big difference in every child’s life. They will never forget that French lady “Coco”.

The last years of her life Alzheimer’s tried to break her will but she would not let that happen. She fought with courage and determination. She always kept her dignity and class. She never complained about herself, but worried if everybody else was ok; always asking if she could help. Her brilliant smile was present to her very last days. Her fight and will to win was with her to the end. That little French lady had courage beyond imagination.

Coco, mom, grandma and great grandma; we will miss you so, so much, but you will never, ever be forgotten! Your love will stay with us throughout eternity!

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who cared for Coco these last few years. You made a big difference in her life and in ours. Special thanks to Harmony Hospice and Rancho Verde Home Care.

Memorial Services will be Tuesday Dec.27th at 2:00pm at East Lawn Palms Mortuary

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.