Mélanie Berger-Volle, a key figure in the French Resistance, has died at 105. Her motto, 'Résister, c'est essentiel,' reflected her lifelong defiance of oppression.
Mélanie Berger-Volle passes away at 105
Mélanie Berger-Volle, a prominent figure in France's resistance against Nazi occupation, has died at the age of 105. She was known for her unwavering commitment to freedom and human rights throughout her life.Her words on resistance
Mélanie Berger-Volle famously said, "Résister, c'est essentiel. Mieux vaut vivre debout qu'à genoux," which translates to "To resist is essential. It is better to live standing than on one's knees." These words reflected her lifelong dedication to fighting oppression.Announcement of her death
The prefecture of the Loire announced her death on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday, October 22. She had recently celebrated her 105th birthday on October 8, marking a significant milestone in her long life.Her early life and escape
Born in Austria in 1921, Mélanie Berger-Volle fled her country in 1938 to escape the rise of fascism and join France. She was drawn to France for its commitment to human rights, despite initial disappointments with the country's reality.Her resistance activities
Engaged from adolescence in Austria against the Hitler regime, Mélanie joined the French Resistance under the names Anna and Nelly. She became a key figure in the fight against Nazi occupation, embodying the spirit of resistance throughout her life.Arrest and escape from imprisonment
During World War II, she was arrested in January 1942 and sentenced to fifteen years of forced labor. Imprisoned in Toulouse and later in the Baumettes in Marseille, she managed to escape in 1943, just before the deportation of prisoners to concentration camps.Continued commitment to freedom
After escaping, she continued her fight for freedoms and human rights. The prefect of the Loire praised her for passing on the torch of memory to the youth, alongside her husband Lucien Volle and the Memorial of the Resistance and the Deportation of the Loire.Her personal life and legacy
Mélanie Berger-Volle met her husband Lucien Volle in 1957. He passed away in 2012. She died in Saint-Étienne, leaving behind a legacy of resistance, resilience, and dedication to educating future generations about the importance of standing up against tyranny.
