Odile de Vasselot, who made headlines during World War II for her involvement in the French Resistance, died peacefully at the age of 103 on April 21 in Paris. Known for her daring commitment, she was one of the unique figures within the Resistance as an aristocrat amidst a predominantly working-class movement. The announcement of her passing was made by the Order of the Liberation, an organization that honors those who fought against the Nazis under General de Gaulle's command.
Her storied journey into resistance began in her family’s ancestral château, where as a young woman, she heard Charles de Gaulle’s rallying call broadcast over a makeshift radio. This inspired her to join the fight against German occupation, initially starting by delivering important messages to fellow resistance members and escorting Allied airmen on perilous missions across Belgium. Her bravery grew over time, propelling her into more dangerous operations during the war.
Reflecting on her motivations, de Vasselot once stated, “One had to do something. One never has the right to just sit there and do nothing.” Her resistance activities included defacing German propaganda and making her presence known in a defiant show of nationalism. Witnessing the swastikas flying over Paris ignited a fire within her, further fueling her resolve and actions against the occupiers.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, paid tribute to de Vasselot following her death, praising her for her exemplary life and unwavering courage, insisting that she has left an enduring imprint on the history of France. Beyond her war efforts, de Vasselot also dedicated her later years to philanthropy, eventually founding a girls’ school in Ivory Coast, extending her desire for education and empowerment to future generations.
