Educator, writer, historian and committed citizen, Odette Roy Fombrun passed away this Friday, December 23, 2022. She was 105 years and 6 months old.
The news was confirmed on social networks by the foundation bearing the name of Mrs. Fombrun and by the daughter of the historical figure Marie Claude Bayard.
“At 9:28 this morning, Friday, December 23, 2022, my mother Odette Roy Fombrun left us. She died quietly,” reports Nouvelliste editorialist Frantz Duval, quoting Marie Claude Bayard.
The news of Odette Roy Fombrun’s death has caused several personalities in Haiti and elsewhere to react.
“I learned with sadness the death of the illustrious educator, Odette Roy Fombrun. She was a lifelong citizen committed to change and democracy in her country, a writer devoted in particular to the education and development of Haitian youth,” tweeted Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
“The nation has just lost one of its most prominent intellectual figures, a rare role model, in terms of patriotism and probity. I send my condolences to his family, relatives and friends grieved by this loss” said the neurosurgeon who governs Haiti since the death of President Jovenel Moïse.
The Ministry of Culture and Communication salutes the memory of the writer Odette Roy Fombrun, who, writes the MCC “lived more than a century, was a prolific creator, an educator, a committed woman” before stressing that the contribution of Ms. Fombrun to Haitian society was significant.
“Odette Roy Fombrun was an icon of Haitian literature and culture. A feminist and activist, she also advocated for education for all. An inspiration to many, including myself. She leaves us a priceless legacy for generations to come” posted on her networks the Haitian actress Fabienne Colas who lives in Canada.
The former Prime Minister Claude Joseph also prostrated himself to erect the greatness of Odette Roy Fombrun. “A country that has produced an Odette Roy Fombrun cannot die. Requiescat in pace Madame Fombrun. May your wisdom guide our steps in this quest to build a Haiti on the scale of its glorious history” posted the former Haitian chancellor.
The dates of the funeral of Odette Roy Fombrun are not yet known.
Former resident of the College St. Rose de Lima and the Teacher Training College in particular Odette Roy Fombrun has dedicated her life to education. She was an activist defending human rights, democratic and moral values. Odette Roy Fombrun was also involved in the promotion of local tourism.
Her foundation, established in 2007, has a mission to educate, train and participate in the development process of Haiti, through three axes: konbitism, civic education and heritage.
Guest of honor of the great book fair “Livres en folie en 2007”, Odette Roy Fombrun has in her repertoire many works of academic and school nature.
Zoom Haiti News salutes the departure of this great lady with extraordinary works and sends its sympathies to her family, relatives and friends.