Elyette B. Conein

Elyette Jean-Marie Ninette Brochot Conein, ageless, departed this life on Sunday, February 11, 2018, after a brief illness. She spent her final weeks, as she wished, in her own home, surrounded by her family and loved ones.



Elyette was born to Marie B. Bordet and Joseph J. Brochot on September 4, 1929 in the City of Vinh in central Vietnam. There, she was a witness to many horrors of the Japanese occupation of Vietnam during World War II, as well as the French Indochina Wars and the the American War in Vietnam. Despite this, Elyette always maintained a positive attitude for life.



Her smile, laugh, and energy were contagious. She loved people no matter who they were, and would make you feel at ease and special. Through her boundless compassion, she quietly saved many lives -- from drowning, slavery, suicide, abuse, and destitution.

In line with her everlasting, energetic spirit, Elyette focused on becoming an Olympic diver in her youth. Unable to represent Vietnam due to financial restraints on part of the delegation, Elyette and her best friend decided to perform across Europe. The manager of a famed seaside hotel in Monaco begged her and her friend to stay and entertain the poolside guests with their beautiful and classic dives.



During the mid 1950s in Vietnam, Elyette met her future husband, Lucien E. Conein (b.1919 - d.1998), a member of the infamous inaugural group of the OSS, and one of the last legendary Cold War spies. They settled in Mclean, Virginia, where Elyette started a successful career in real estate with Long and Foster. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Elyette hosted many notorious and notable parties; a charismatic socialite and noted matchmaker, she entertained Congressmen, ambassadors, authors, generals, and even the head of the CIA. She loved to play Motown and rock and roll music, anything that would incite her guests to dance, celebrate and enjoy life.

Elyette’s house was more than the center of fabled parties. She was a generous soul who boasted a “revolving-door” policy, opening her arms and home to anyone who needed comfort. She loved her pets, and alongside the neighborhood children, she housed dogs, cats, parrots, turtles, snakes, and hamsters. Many of her pets were characters that became local lore.



Elyette leaves behind an extended family, including her only brother, Didier Brochot, and his wife and children. She also leaves her children: Laurent P. Conein; Philippe J. Conein and his wife Philise Conein, and her grandson Quinn Conein of Richmond, Virginia; her daughter, Caroline (Conein) Wilson and husband David Wilson, and her granddaughters, Shayna and Natalie Wilson of Vienna, Virginia.



She also leaves behind her partner of nearly 15 years, Patrick Smaldore, of Mclean, Virginia, who graciously ensured her life was full and joyous up until the very end. She loved all of Lou’s children, including Bernard Conein; Cecil Mashburn and his sons; Serge Conein and his extended family; and Charles “Chip” Conein and his children.

With her passing she leaves many memories of her extraordinary grace, elegance and style. She fabulously and famously dressed every day as if she was going to meet the Queen of England. She memorably claimed “smile and the world will smile back.”

The heavens have received another star to brightly dazzle the sky. She will be terribly missed by all whose lives she touched.



In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the memory of Elyette B. Conein to The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727.

Family will receive friends and family at a visitation on Saturday, February 24 2018, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., at Money & King Funeral Home located at 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, Virginia 22180. Funeral Services will be held later at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel and Arlington National Cemetery.