Dear Families, Colleagues, Friends, 

It is with great emotion and sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Anne-Marie Thommeret, Founder and Director (1941-1987) of our school, Ermitage. 

It is in the midst of German occupation, in 1941, that Anne-Marie Jaud de la Jousselinière, just 20 years old, opens her first class for young ‘mansonniens’ who can no longer make the journey to their respective schools in Sartrouville and Saint Germain-en-Laye.

Throughout the years, the number of classes grew quickly and the school relocated from the family house to the Grande Maison at 46 avenue Eglé.

Historical events pushed Anne-Marie Thommeret to find her calling. A pioneer in a number of educational domains, she opened her first Montessori class in 1960 and then developed bilingual offerings, encouraged international exchanges, and welcomed families from around the world.

Having a true passion for the theatre, she directed splendid shows reflecting historic events and literary works. These spectacles often brought over 400 costumed, dancing, and singing students to the stage. 

Anne-Marie Thommeret left us at 96 years of age, ever attentive to her school’s news and life, whether asking about the baccalaureate results or the theme of the latest school musical.

Ermitage was her life and she was very proud to have her children, and grandchildren, follow in her footsteps.

« Façonner, jour après jour, le plus précieux des matériaux, l’enfant, n’est-ce pas le plus beau des métiers? »

A mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 21st 2017 at 10h30 at the Saint Nicolas Church in Maisons-Laffitte.

If you would like to also share a memory, anecdote, or photo, please send these to alumni@ermitage.fr

Virginie Thommeret