Simone Solange (Hume) Altomare

It is with profound sadness that we announce the October 6th passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, sister, and friend Simone Solange (Hume) Altomare, age 93, of Mansfield Center, CT.

Simone was born December 31, 1924 in Pithiviers, France to Octave and Germaine Hume. Forever proud of her French heritage, Simone enjoyed sharing stories of her youth in France with family and friends throughout her life. As a young girl Simone, when off from school, helped in her family’s bakery. On weekends she and her older sister, Janine, would travel one half hour by train to Paris to visit the shops, tour the sights and enjoy the many beautiful gardens.

Throughout her lifetime Simone was an extremely strong and courageous individual. As an example, when the German Army occupied France during WWII, 17 year old Simone volunteered to go to the German command center at Versailles, by herself, to avoid arousing German suspicion. There, she requested travel papers for her family of six, to be allowed to leave France to attend her sister Janine’s wedding in Sidi Bel Abbes, North Africa. She promised her family would return. However, they remained in North Africa, along with many other French Nationals, until years after the war had ended.

While living in Sidi Bel Abbes, Simone met the love of her life and future husband, Army Sergeant Major N. Rex Altomare, who was stationed in Sidi Bel Abbes during the war.

Once again, at a young age, Simone demonstrated great courage and determination when she left family and home behind in order to travel to America aboard a USS Liberty Ship. Seventeen days later, crossing the rough waves of the Atlantic, she landed in Charleston, North Carolina.

Simone and Rex married in Stamford, CT in 1946. He later worked for the New England Corps of Engineers and helped supervise the construction of the Mansfield Hollow Dam in Mansfield Center, CT. Rex then became the first Head Dam Operator of Mansfield Hollow Dam from 1952-1983. Together, with Simone, they raised their four children; Janine, William, Pamela, and Rex while living in the large white house at the dam entrance for 24 wonderful years.

Simone’s early love and appreciation of the Paris gardens helped to inspire her many beautiful gardens at the dam. Often visitors would come, not only to visit the dam, but to admire the beauty of Simone’s gardens.

Throughout her lifetime Simone displayed wonderful passion for all that she did. First and foremost, she was an incredibly loving and caring matriarch to the family. She possessed a down-to-earth and practical outlook toward life; speaking her thoughts in a concise and forthright manner. She also had a wonderful sense of humor delivered many times with sharp, dry wit. This contributed to “Meme’s” very French “Joie de vivre” (joy of living) which her granddaughter Ariana especially enjoyed during her many visits. Laughing was their thing!

Decorating, sewing, baking, gardening and shopping; she loved them all! Recently at the ripe “young” age of 93, she replaced her love of knitting with a love for coloring, always saying how important it was to keep busy, and that coloring books kept her young (Simone always insisted she was 27)!

In addition to the enjoyment of classic movies, The Andy Griffith Show and the news, Simone loved listening to Lawrence Welk, The Tenors, Il Volo and Andrea Bocelli. She loved all holidays but especially the lights and joy of Christmas.

A true patriot, Simone had high esteem for our veterans, deep appreciation for our country and extreme pride in our flag.

Simone often spoke happily of many of the staff members at Douglas Manor whom she fondly referred to as “Friends”! She always enjoyed the visits of Dr. Scott Berger and Deacon Larry Goodwin, as well as Wednesday outings to MacDonalds, over the past five years, with her dear and special friend, Paul.

Simone’s family is very thankful to all for their devoted care and friendship.

Simone will be forever missed by daughter Janine and son-in-law Walter Lewis(Mansfield, CT); son, William Altomare and daughter-in-law Betty(Higganum, CT); daughter, Pamela Altomare (Lancaster, NH) and son Rex Altomare(Franklin, CT). She also leaves behind five grandchildren; Elliot and Nathan Altomare, Didge and Lorien Welch and Ariana Lewis. Simone is also survived by two sisters; Jacqueline Benard and Monique Fabre in France and her sister-in-law Dorothy Altomare (Stamford, CT) along with many nieces and nephews.

Simone was predeceased by Nicholas Rex Altomare, her loving husband of 66 years, her sister Janine, brothers-in-law Sauveur Garcia, Gilbert Benard and Robert Fabre from France and Ralph Altomare from Connecticut.

To family and friends, Simone was an excellent example of determination, strength and courage. She was admired by many for her classic French elegance, style, grace and charm. Her “Joie de vivre” will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Simone's life, love, and legacy were a special blessing to us all.

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