Florette Champeney was the only daughter of French multi-billionaire Philip Champeney and Spanish model, Enedelia Paiz. She was trained, at an early age, in the ruthlessness of both her parents' worlds, and by the tender age of 18 had carved her own niche in the design world. At 19, she married Donato Battaglia, son of reputed Italian mafioso, Joseph Battaglia. Florette fled her husband's native Italy in the Spring of 1997, searching for a haven untouched by her in-laws. For less than a year, she found that in Cape Morasses.

Florette never sought divorce from her estranged husband, stating that they shared a great love-she merely couldn't tolerate his family. With the assistance of a distant cousin, Beau Landreaux, she had recently begun negotiations for a site to build both a home and design studio with the intent that her family would soon join her. She made frequent trips to Europe to see her husband and children.

The death of Florette Champeney, age 23, leaves a void in the design world and in the hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Donato; son, Claudio; daughter, Christina; parents; and many more family and friends.