joie de vive - zhwah-deh-VEEV - love of life
Example: "Bud Schulberg, author of 'What makes Sammy Run,' 'On the Waterfront,' etc., died at 95 - still living until then with characteristic joie de vive ."
As a starter: and as a former teacher in English, I hope to add to reader's vocabulary by presenting a word a day in simple terms that anyone can understand - from current use in publications, radio,TV, etc. Remember: use a new word three times in a day and it's yours forever!