Josette Molland, a brave member of the French Resistance during World War II, passed away at the age of 100 on February 17. Her remarkable story of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure even the darkest of times.
In the spring of 1943, at just 20 years old, Josette Molland joined the Resistance, risking her life to fight against the German occupation of her country. She used her skills as an artist to create false papers and transport them for the Dutch-Paris underground network, ultimately leading to her capture by the Gestapo less than a year later.
Despite enduring the hell of Nazi deportation and camps for women, including Ravensbrück and Holleischen, Josette Molland never lost hope. She organized a rebellion against her guards, survived on insects and tree bark, and somehow made it back to France after the war.
In her later years, Josette Molland shared her story through a series of paintings depicting her experiences in the camps. These powerful images, created in a naive, folk-art style, served as a visual representation of the atrocities she witnessed and endured.
Josette Molland’s legacy as a member of the Resistance lives on, as she was one of the few remaining survivors recognized for her bravery and sacrifice. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who fought against tyranny during one of the darkest periods in history.
At her funeral in Nice, Josette Molland was honored with full military honors, and the French Resistance anthem, “Chant des Partisans,” was sung in her memory. Her legacy as a fighter and survivor will continue to inspire generations to come.
