The passing of the 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, has left a lasting impact on the French nobility and the world of horse breeding. Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, the late duke was a stalwart figure in his community, serving as a municipal councillor in Brissac and dedicating his life to his passion for horse breeding.
On April 6, 2021, the 13th Duke de Brissac passed away at the age of ninety-two, surrounded by his family at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier. His legacy extends beyond his noble title, as he was a devoted husband to Jacqueline de Contades and a loving father to five children. The late duke’s dedication to his family and his community will be deeply missed, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.
what were the key achievements of the 13th Duke de Brissac
- Horse Breeding: He was particularly passionate about horse breeding and served as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
- Family and Community: The late duke was devoted to his family and community, serving as a municipal councillor and being a loving father to five children.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He served as President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He was the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: He was the proprietor of the Château de Brissac in Brissac-Quincé.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s contributions to the community in Brissac
- Municipal Councillor: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to the local community.
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his dedication to the world of horse breeding and equestrian sports.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, highlighting his involvement in charitable and noble organizations.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: He was the proprietor of the Château de Brissac in Brissac-Quincé, which treasures a beautiful collection of ancient paintings and fine furnishings, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.
what was the 13th Duke de Brissac’s role in the Jockey-Club de Paris
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| François de Cossé-Brissac, XIII Duc de Brissac. |
On Tuesday, 6 April 2021, the 13th Duke de Brissac passed away at the age of ninety-two. Surrounded by his family, the duke died at his manor La Roche in Charcé-Saint-Ellier. The late duke was particularly passionate about horse breeding, and he served as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
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| Pierre de Cossé, Duke de Brissac. |
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| May de Cossé (née Schneider), Duchess de Brissac. |
Born on 29 February 1929 at the château de la Verrerie, Eugène Marie Timoléon François de Cossé-Brissac was the eldest son of Pierre de Cossé-Brissac (1900-1993), 12th Duke de Brissac, and Marie-Zélie “May” Antoinette Eugénie Schneider (1902-1999). François had three siblings: Marie-Pierre (b.1925; married 1stly Simon Nora; married 2ndly Maurice Herzog; married 3rdly Christian Schmidt), Gilles (1935-2002), and Elvire (b.1939).
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| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac with Sir Roger Moore and his wife. |
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| The Duke and Duchess de Brissac attend the Christmas dinner at the British Embassy to Paris, 2009. Photograph (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff. |
In 1958, François de Cossé-Brissac married Jacqueline de Contades (b.1940), the daughter of André de Contades and Marguerite “Daisy” Thome. Jacqueline was a friend of her husband’s younger sister Elvire. François and Jacqueline had five children, three daughters and two sons: Agnès (b.1960; married Bruno van den Broek d’Obrenan), Charles-André (b.1962), Angélique (b.1965; married Vicomte Stanislas de Rougé), Marie-Antoinette (b.1968; married Philippe Leclerq), and Pierre-Emmanuel (b.1974; married Marie-Astrid Larue).
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| The late Duke de Brissac with his eldest son Marquis Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. |
The 14th Duke de Brissac is the eldest son and heir of François: Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac. In 1993, Charles-André married Countess Larissa Széchényi de Sárvár-Felsövidek (b.1967). The new Duke and Duchess de Brissac have four children, three daughters and one son: Laszlo (b.1994), Irina (b.1996), Délia (b.1998; engaged to Prince Marc von Croÿ), and Annabel (b.2002).
May the Duke de Brissac Rest in Peace.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s major influences
- Horse Breeding: He was particularly passionate about horse breeding and served as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
- Family and Community: The late duke was devoted to his family and community, serving as a municipal councillor and being a loving father to five children.
- Presidency of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He served as President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He was the Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: He was the proprietor of the Château de Brissac in Brissac-Quincé.
The passing of the 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, marks the end of an era for the French nobility and the world of horse breeding. His dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the impact that individuals can have on their communities. The 13th Duke de Brissac was a true embodiment of these values, and his passing serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of life.
As we bid farewell to the 13th Duke de Brissac, we take comfort in the knowledge that his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. His passion for horse breeding and his commitment to his community will continue to inspire future generations. The 13th Duke de Brissac may be gone, but his legacy will endure, a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we honor his memory by continuing to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that he so proudly represented.
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s contributions to the local community in Brissac
- Municipal Councillor: He served as a municipal councillor in Brissac, demonstrating his commitment to the local community.
- President of the Jockey-Club de Paris: He held the position of President of the Jockey-Club de Paris from 1997 to 2014, showcasing his dedication to the world of horse breeding and equestrian sports.
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus: He served as Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus from 1986 to 2004, highlighting his involvement in charitable and noble organizations.
- Proprietor of the Château de Brissac: He was the proprietor of the Château de Brissac in Brissac-Quincé, which treasures a beautiful collection of ancient paintings and fine furnishings, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.
