Jocelyn Wildenstein, the renowned socialite known as Catwoman for her distinctive appearance, passed away at the age of 84 on December 31 in Paris.
Her longtime partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, shared details about her final wishes and funeral arrangements.
According to Daily Mail, Wildenstein’s body will be cremated and her ashes transported to a ranch in Kenya, where her parents’ remains rest.
A small, private funeral service will first be held in Paris, according to Klein, who was with her during her final moments.
Moreover, Klein told the media outlets that it was “fitting” for Wildenstein to return to a place she deeply cherished.
Additionally, her father is buried on the Kenyan ranch, and her mother’s ashes were scattered there. The ranch also holds sentimental significance, as it played a central role in her earlier life.
As per the publication, Klein explained, Wildenstein passed away in her sleep due to complications from phlebitis, a chronic medical condition causing inflammation in the veins.
Furthermore, the condition led to swelling in her legs and restricted oxygen flow to her brain, contributing to her death.
In regards to this, Klein told People, “She was very happy and at the top of her game,” recounting their plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve together. Tragically, when he woke her from a nap, she had already passed away.
Furthermore, Wildenstein rose to global fame for her lavish lifestyle and highly publicized divorce from billionaire Alec N. Wildenstein in 2000, which awarded her a record-breaking settlement of $2.5 billion.
She became a high-society icon but later struggled with financial challenges, reportedly losing much of her fortune.
