Bernadette Chirac, Wife Of Former French President Jacques Chirac, Dies At 93 Bernadette Chirac, wife of former French President Jacques Chirac, has died at the age of 93. A steadfast supporter throughout her husband’s political career, Bernadette Chodron de Courcel became an influential figure in French public life. She served as a member of the Corrèze General Council and was deeply involved in charitable work. She passed away on Friday at the age of 93. FILE - French President Jacques Chirac and his wife Bernadette on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on april 5, 2004, as the British monarch began a three-day state visit marking the centenary of the Entente Cordial agreement that ended their two countries rivalries. Photo by Mousse-Hounsfield