Obituary for Mrs. Nicole S. Schott Desrosiers Mrs. Nicole Schott Desrosiers passed away on August 31 at the age of 77. She was born in Le Puy, France, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Katzenstein) Schott. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Paul Desrosiers.
The Schott family was originally from Germany; however, they were forced to flee during WWII due to their Jewish faith. Nicole came to the United States in 1966 on a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College, where she obtained a master’s degree in American literature. She also held a master’s degree in French literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a Master’s degree in English Literature from the Université de Clermont-Ferrand (from which she also obtained her Bachelor’s degree), and a Phd from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Fiercely dedicated to the pursuit of education and knowledge, she embarked on a career as a French teacher, translator, writer, and professor. She worked for Lenox Memorial Middle and High School as chair of the world language department, retiring in 2007 after 22 years. During her time at Lenox, she taught all levels of French, created an Advanced Placement program, and led an exchange program with a high school outside of Paris, fostering a rich cross-cultural dialogue for her students.
Nicole was still employed at the time of her death, teaching at Williams College, where she worked as a Lecturer in Romance Languages for 44 years. There, she taught graduate courses in French literature, culture, and translation. She previously taught at Trinity College and Bennington College.
She was a founding member of the Berkshire Organization of Language Teachers (BOLT), where she was serving as Treasurer. She was also an active member of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), and the Berkshire International Club (BIC). Nicole was also very involved in the Clark Art Institute.
Nicole was also a two-time recipient of National Endowment for the Humanities grants, spending a summer each in Dakar and Paris studying, researching, and writing. Nicole was also a published author and lent her time and knowledge to others, serving as a translator and advisor to others in their publications and academic pursuits. She was also awarded Les Palmes Académiques by the French government for her contribution and dedication to the teaching of French culture, language, and literature.
While attending Mount Holyoke College, Nicole met the love of her life, Paul Desrosiers. They were happily married for 49 years, raising their two sons in the Berkshires. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member.
She and Paul volunteered for many years at Tanglewood and for Democratic causes. It should be said that Nicole was passionate about every aspect of her life and the lives of her family members. She was so excited to become a grandmother and enjoyed every minute of her time with her children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, and they loved her immensely.
She leaves behind her very close and loving family: her son David, his wife Wheatly, and their daughter Lulzime; her son Daniel, his wife Bridget, and their daughters Camille and Patrice; her brothers Henri, Gaston, and Marcel, and their families, all in France. She was predeceased by her brother, Rene, as well as her husband, Paul. Her caring friends and colleagues whom she leaves behind are too numerous to mention by name, but they held a place in her heart that was greater than their titles suggest; they truly became her adopted family.
They include, but are in no way limited to, Monique Jalbert, Isabelle Kaplan, Ghetta Hirsch, Bernadette and Emma Gros, Emmanuelle Dunoyer, Sharon Feltzer, Dori Katz, and Bill and Sharon Ballen. She was extremely proud to mentor and encourage language students at all levels; with one student in particular, Isabel Roche, she developed a lifelong friendship, filled with pride in her accomplishments. Funeral Notice: There will be a Commemoration of Nicole’s life on September 23, 2018, from 1-4 pm in the Ballroom at Cranwell Resort & Spa, in Lenox.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Berkshire Medical Center’s Cancer Center or BOLT or to a charity of choice, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. DONATIONS CAN NOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Nicole S. Schott Desrosiers please visit our Sympathy Store.
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