Odile de Vasselot, Resilient French Resistance Fighter, Passes at 103

Odile de Vasselot, who played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during World War II, has died at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and lifelong dedication to education.

Odile de Vasselot, a legendary figure in the French Resistance during World War II, passed away on April 21 in Paris at the age of 103. Her death was reported by the Order of the Liberation, which had honored her with a medal created by General Charles de Gaulle to recognize Resistance heroes. De Vasselot was drawn to the cause after hearing de Gaulle’s rallying cry over a makeshift radio at her family château in south-central France. Initially working on simple missions like delivering messages, she progressed to escorting Allied airmen across the Belgian front.

A prominent daughter of aristocracy, de Vasselot joined the ranks of thousands of young French citizens who opposed the German occupation after France's fall in 1940. Beginning her resistance activities by chalking the Lorraine Cross symbol on walls and tearing down propaganda, she grew more audacious over time, participating in nocturnal missions nearly risking her life.

Reflecting on her actions, de Vasselot once stated, “One had to do something. One never has the right to just sit there and do nothing.” At the age of 18, she was deeply affected by the sight of Nazi flags dominating Paris, igniting her determination to oppose the invaders.

In honoring her memory, President Emmanuel Macron remarked, “A great lady who honorably answered all the appeals, throughout her life, and did so with a courage that can only edify us.” Following the war, de Vasselot also dedicated her life to education, founding a girls' school in Ivory Coast, showcasing her commitment to empowering future generations.