Born: 1905 (Lyon, France)
Died: 1982
Biography:
Marcelle Lafont (23 November 1905 – 8 October 1982) was a chemist, chemical engineer, member of the French Resistance, and later a politician. Born into the successful bourgeois Lafont family, owners of the Adolphe Lafont company, she broke with tradition and forged her own path. A trailblazer and a woman ahead of her time, Lafont achieved remarkable success in various fields.
Marcelle Lafont was born on 23 November 1905 in Lyon, France. She was the only daughter of Pauline and Adolphe Lafont. Her father, an industrialist and founder of the company Adolphe Lafont, was the first to invent salopettes. Her mother, Pauline Lafont, utilized the family fortune and connections to engage in philanthropic work.
Growing up, Marcelle often accompanied her father to the factory, gaining invaluable insight into the industrial and technical world that fueled her curiosity. She received a rigorous education, despite it being unconventional for a young girl from the Lyonnaise bourgeoisie at the time. Marcelle’s mother, a well-educated woman who graduated from the lycée Edgar Quinet and was involved in running the family business, played a significant role in shaping her daughter’s ambition.
In her early years, Marcelle Lafont displayed great intellect and determination, passing her Baccalauréat in elementary mathematics and obtaining a licence ès sciences, a higher level secondary education qualification. In 1930, she graduated from the prestigious engineering college l’école de chimie de Lyon as a chemical engineer. With her Swiss-German maternal grandparents, she grew up fluent in German and was also proficient in English and Malagasy, which proved advantageous in her future endeavors.
Not content with a traditional career, Lafont obtained her Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) license in the 1930s, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. In 1937, she further expanded her horizons by earning certification as a pilot and joining the Lyon flying club. Her determination and willingness to venture into unconventional territories garnered admiration from both men and women alike.
However, Marcelle Lafont’s life was not solely defined by her impressive achievements in science and transportation. During World War II, she demonstrated immense bravery and resilience by joining the French Resistance. Her contributions to the Resistance were invaluable and earned her the Resistance Medal, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her country’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
Following the war, Lafont embarked on a new chapter of her life in politics. She relocated to Songieu and became actively involved in local governance. Through her political career, Lafont continued to advocate for progressive ideas and fought for social justice in her community. Her dedication and service to her constituents left an indelible impact on the region.
Marcelle Lafont’s life serves as an inspiration for women and men alike. Her unwavering determination, intellectual prowess, and fearless involvement in the French Resistance exemplify her character and the impact she made on society during a tumultuous era. Marcelle Lafont’s exceptional achievements as a chemist, pilot, politician, and resistance member solidify her place in history as a remarkable woman who defied societal norms and left an extraordinary legacy.
Awards:
– Resistance Medal (posthumously awarded for her contributions during World War II)