“Catwoman” Jocelyn Wildenstein’s friends and loved ones bid her a final farewell in Paris as they prepare for her cremation and rejoice in her memory. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, 57, was seen being hugged by mourners before heading into the crematorium.
The Swiss socialite passed away on New Year’s Eve due to a pulmonary embolism in Paris, having died aged 79.
Klein fashionably mourned
Klein was caught grieving in a black velvet jacket, black trousers, and shirt in addition to a pair of black gloves and his signature sunglasses. Even the mourners could be seen dressed fashionably, honoring the memory of the “Catwoman” diva.
They refurbished her pictures
Wildenstein earned the “Catwoman” nickname for the plastic surgeries she underwent that made her look like a cat. In honor of her memory, they showed the mourners edited photos of herself to make sure she looked the best she could be.
Her ceremony was held in a renowned place
Wildenstein’s ceremony was held at Père Lachaise Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris and most visited in the world.
In addition, many famous figures were buried there, including authors Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein as well as American singer Jim Morrison.
What they’ll do with the ashes
It was decided that Wildenstein’s ashes would be scattered in Kenya at her ranch at the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy. Her parents’ ashes were also scattered there.
The private ceremony had about 40 people attending it and gathering in the crematorium.
The emotional invitation
The invitation to the ceremony, which was held in the afternoon, read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of…Jocelyne Wildenstein. September 7-1945 ~ December 31-2024. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.”
They celebrated her life
In the cemetery, they played old videos of Wildenstein in her astounding outfits on the television screens.
Furthermore, as they carried her coffin in, they played music from the film Out of Africa, in reference to her time in Kenya. The readings in the ceremony took place in English and French.
A moving tribute
According to the DailyMail, Reverend Dr Keith Magee gave a moving speech to the congregation, saying: “We gather here today to celebrate Jocelyn’s life. Jocelyn chose the path that was uniquely her own. She embraced love unconditionally.”
The reverend continued, saying: “We gather to bid her farewell as we cherish and gather her memory in our hearts and honour her life with kindness and openness that she gave to us.”
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Her makeup artist added her personal reading
Her makeup artist Alexis Stone said: “The world was and will forever be fascinated by her life and past but Jocelyne was so looking forward to the future. In any room she entered who without trying commanded the attention of everyone. She always went above and beyond to make others feel safe and happy.”
Before her death, she fled to Paris
Wildenstein fled Miami in August in an attempt to run away from court orders. She owed Regal Jewellery and Gift Shop $268,000 for gems she never returned, on top of $75,928 in interest.
She also didn’t attend a contempt hearing in court in Florida, as she was facing eviction from her beachside apartment.
Nevertheless, they lived a lavish life in Paris
After Wildenstein fled, she and her partner couldn’t give up the luxury, as they lived in a lavish suite that cost over $16,000 per week in spite of facing debilitating debts.
She spent over $2,300 a night on luxury rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
