The passing of the 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, on April 6, 2021, marked the end of an era for the esteemed French noble family. Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, the late duke was known for his passion for horse breeding and his dedication to public service, serving as a municipal councillor in Brissac.
Throughout his life, the 13th Duke de Brissac was surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife, Jacqueline de Contades, and their five children. His eldest son, Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac, has succeeded him as the 14th Duke de Brissac, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy. The late duke’s life was marked by his love for his family, his community, and his heritage, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who knew him[1].
what were the key achievements of the 13th Duke de Brissac
what were the 13th Duke de Brissac’s contributions to the community in Brissac
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 achievements
The passing of the 13th Duke de Brissac, François de Cossé-Brissac, marks the end of an era for the esteemed French noble family. Born on February 29, 1929, at the château de la Verrerie, the late duke was known for his passion for horse breeding and his dedication to public service, serving as a municipal councillor in Brissac. Throughout his life, the 13th Duke de Brissac was surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife, Jacqueline de Contades, and their five children. His eldest son, Charles-André de Cossé-Brissac, has succeeded him as the 14th Duke de Brissac, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy. The late duke’s life was marked by his love for his family, his community, and his heritage, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who knew him.
As we reflect on the life and achievements of the 13th Duke de Brissac, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the significant contributions that individuals like him have made to their communities. The Château de Brissac, which has been the family’s residence for over 500 years, is a testament to their enduring legacy and a symbol of the rich history and tradition that they have upheld. The late duke’s passion for horse breeding and his involvement in public service are just a few examples of the many ways in which he has left his mark on the world. As we bid farewell to the 13th Duke de Brissac, we honor his memory by continuing to celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage that he so deeply cherished.
