Bernadette Rolas, a resident of Fort-de-France, Martinique, France, passed away on 11 November, at the age of 110 years, 162 days.
Rolas was born Marie Émilie Bernadette Derond in Le Morne-Rouge, Martinique, France, on 2 June 1916. She was the eldest of five children and, from an early age, developed a strong sense of responsibility. Baptized in Fort-de-France, she later returned to her birthplace. While still very young, she attended sewing classes in Fort-de-France and began making clothes for the békés (white Creole landowners). Through her work, she earned enough to purchase her own sewing equipment and eventually opened her first sewing shop in Morne-Rouge.
In 1954, she married Stéphane Rolas, an employee of the Compagnie Générale Maritime. Together, they had a son, Roland. The family initially lived in the Ermitage neighborhood before moving to the Briand housing estate in 1961.
Possessing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, she later opened a dressmaking salon in the Terres-Sainville district. A devoted Catholic, she remained an active participant in Mass until the age of 96.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Bernadette Rolas during this difficult time.
