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03/30/2023 08:44 AMHuguette Marie Josephine Diaz Desilio, 92, of Old Saybrook, and Jupiter, Florida, passed away March 6 in Old Saybrook.
Huguette was born in Casablanca, Morocco, to Gabriel Simon Diaz and Ascencion Buades Diaz June 28, 1930. She married the love of her life, Gilbert Sauveur Desilio Dec. 30, 1953, in Casablanca.
Huguette was fluent in four languages and an accomplished artist, theatre actress, seamstress, singer, and chef. She and Gilbert often opened their home for lively gatherings of family and friends where she showcased her Moroccan cuisine and her beautiful singing voice. She was a member of The First Church of Saybrook Choir and an acapella singer for many years and loved interacting with the community in her position at Caldor. She enjoyed travel to Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mardi Gras, and Jazz Fest. Well into her 80s, she traveled to every concert venue in Colorado to hear Warren Haynes greet her as “MAMA!” She enjoyed the spotlight, and during her years in Florida, she was the life of every French party. She adored her children, and they adored her.
Huguette is survived by her children: Francois (Robin) Desilio, Claude (Mary) Desilio, Corinne (Thomas) Laird, Philippe (Mimi) Desilio, Bernard Desilio, and Pascal (Lisa) Desilio; her grandchildren: Gigi (Ron) Hawn, Craig (Courtney) Laird, Marley Desilio, Morgan Desilio, and Allegra Kelly; and great-grandchildren: Timothy, Olivier, Isla, Odin, and James: and her dear friend Sharon Kwiatkowski. Huguette was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Desilio, and her granddaughter Brittany Hageman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. July 14, at the United Church of Christ–Westbrook Congregational Church.