Supercentenarian Profile

Bernadette Rolas

Born:

1916-06-02

Le Morne-Rouge, Martinique

France

Current Residence:

Fort-de-France, Martinique

France

Marie Émilie Bernadette Rolas (née Derond) is a French supercentenarian from the overseas department of Martinique.

BIOGRAPHY

Bernadette Rolas was born 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. She also taught catechism at the Redoute, Sainte-Thérèse, and Briand schools, while dedicating much of her time to visiting and supporting the sick.