during his/her lifetime
De son vivant, l'ancien chef adorait sa fille.
While he was alive, the former leader adored his daughter.
— Le Secret des poignards volants (2004)
Je n'ai rien fait pour elle de son vivant.
I did nothing for her while she was alive.
— Voyage à Tokyo (1953)
J'ai certes vu la victime de son vivant.
I did indeed see the victim while they were alive.
— Rashōmon (1950)
De son vivant, votre mari parlait du don d'organes ?
Did your husband ever talk about organ donation while he was alive?
— Tout sur ma mère (1999)
De son vivant, il se souciait de vivre.
While he was alive, he cared about living.
— Tout sur ma mère (1999)
On se paie un bout de terrain et on l'entretient de son vivant.
You buy yourself a piece of land and maintain it during your lifetime.
— Volver (2006)