Simonne Vidal

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Simonne Jeanne Myriam Vidal (French: [si.mɔn ʒan mi.ʁjam vi.dal]; 14 February 1894 – 2 July 1944) was a French housewife whose husband was the historian Marc Bloch. Throughout their marriage, Vidal played a significant role—as a secretary and as a research assistant—in Bloch's work. She was also a hospital volunteer in both World Wars. Vidal was born in Dieppe in a wealthy Jewish family. In 1916, during the First World War, she volunteered as a nurse. She was decorated for her work with prisoners and refugees. Vidal married Marc Bloch in 1919, after which the couple moved to Strasbourg. All six of their children were born there. Vidal and Bloch's marriage was described as strong and loving. She served as her husband's secretary, research assistant and interlocutor, playing a significant role in his historical work. The Second World War led the Bloch family to move frequently within France. Vidal's fragile health was tested during those years, and she often had to raise her children alone due to her husband's mobilization. During that period, she again volunteered as a nurse in Paris. When France was occupied and Bloch joined the French Resistance, Vidal helped him by sending food and supplies to his base in Lyon. When he was arrested by the Gestapo, she travelled there, where she was hospitalized for an undiagnosed stomach cancer. She died in the hospital under a false name two weeks after her husband was executed, and was buried in a common grave. In 2024, it was announced that she would enter the Panthéon, along with Bloch.