The Marcadet Street Health Center in Paris served as a clandestine hub for rescue operations during the Second World War, directed by nurse Suzanne Leclézio. Operating under the code name Georgette, she utilized the facility to provide essential aid and protection to Jewish families while coordinating with resistance networks against the occupying forces.
Early Life and Education
Born on 13 September 1898 in Saint Pierre, Mauritius, to Franco-Mauritian parents, Suzanne Leclézio spent her formative years in the British territory. She relocated to France at the age of 24. Her entry into the medical field occurred later than average; at age 33, she enrolled in a nursing school, completing her specialized training in childcare within the same calendar year.
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During the 1930s, Leclézio began her career at the SNCF social centre in Paris. Alongside her partner, the artist Yvonne Ziegler, she joined the Cohors-Asturies resistance network as a sub-lieutenant. The couple utilized their residence at 43 rue Boissonade in the 14th arrondissement to house fellow resistance members. Their work at the Marcadet Street Health Center, located at 22 rue Marcadet, involved feeding and protecting Jewish children and families in the 18th arrondissement. On 27 July 1944, following a denunciation, the Gestapo arrested both women. After enduring torture and imprisonment at Fresnes, they were deported on 15 August 1944 to the Ravensbrück concentration camp via the final convoy of political prisoners.
Liberation and Post-War Career
Leclézio and Ziegler survived the Ravensbrück camp and escaped during the death marches that followed, eventually achieving liberation by the Red Army in May 1945. Upon returning to civilian life, Leclézio resumed her leadership role at the Marcadet Street Health Center, remaining its director until 1984. Her service was formally recognized with the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, the Resistance Medal, and an appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honour.
Final Years and Public Legacy
In retirement, Leclézio and Ziegler moved to La Charretterie, a farm in Calvados, Normandy. They spent their final years at a retirement home in Blangy-le-Château, where Leclézio died on 1 May 1987 at age 89. Their historical narrative, previously obscured, was reconstructed by researcher Laurent Thévenet. In 2022, the Paris Council installed a commemorative plaque at 22 rue Marcadet, marking the first time the term 'lesbian' appeared on a public plaque in France to honor the partnership of the two women.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 September 1898, Saint Pierre, Mauritius
- Died: 1 May 1987, Blangy-le-Château, France
- Military Rank: Sub-lieutenant
- Resistance Code Name: Georgette
- Primary Occupations: Nurse, social worker, resistance fighter
- Honours: Knight of the Legion of Honour, Croix de guerre, Resistance Medal
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the plaque at 22 rue Marcadet?
Installed in 2022, it was the first public plaque in France to explicitly use the word 'lesbian' to describe the relationship between Leclézio and Yvonne Ziegler.
How did Leclézio and Ziegler survive their deportation?
After being deported to Ravensbrück in 1944, they escaped during the death marches and were liberated by the Red Army in May 1945.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Resistance Medal
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