Mary Jane Wilkie, at 79, moved from New York to Paris in December 2021, fulfilling a long-held desire. Despite initial challenges like finding an apartment due to her age and adapting to cultural differences, she has embraced her new life, continuing to work remotely and planning to apply for French citizenship.
She ditched New York for Paris at the age of 79 and says it’s the best decision she’s ever made
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Mary Jane Wilkie, at 79, moved from New York to Paris in December 2021, fulfilling a long-held desire. Despite initial challenges like finding an apartment due to her age and adapting to cultural differences, she has embraced her new life, continuing to work remotely and planning to apply for French citizenship.
- 1 1963: Mary Jane first traveled to France and studied at Sorbonne University
- 2 Later: Lived in various Latin American countries
- 3 Eventually: Ended up in New York, began shape note singing
- 4 Around a decade ago: Drawn back to Paris for singing opportunities, made friends
- 5 December 2021: Relocated from New York to Paris at age 79
- 6 During Covid-19 pandemic: Used time to explore and work on French
- 7 First few months in Paris: Found it challenging to adapt from visitor to resident
- 8 Currently (at age 82): Continues working remotely, practices yoga daily, published a book, plans to apply for French citizenship in a few years
- Mary Jane Wilkie has found happiness and fulfillment in her new life in Paris.
- Improved her French.
- Plans to apply for French citizenship.
What: Mary Jane Wilkie, a 79-year-old independent contractor, relocated from New York to Paris.
When: December 2021 (relocation), she is now 82. First traveled to Paris in 1963.
Where: From New York, United States to Paris, France (specifically Issy-les-Moulineaux). Also lived in Texas, South America (Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Bolivia, Paraguay).
Why: She wanted to fulfill a long-held dream of moving to France, sought more quiet than New York offered, and enjoyed the food and friends she made there. She didn't want to have regrets on her deathbed.
How: She sold her apartment in New York, continued working remotely as an independent contractor, and navigated challenges like finding an apartment in France due to age-related laws and adapting to cultural differences.