She was born in Port au Prince, Haiti; the daughter of Sultana Blain (née Rivière) and Ludovic Blain, a foreman at the international port. In 1948, she married Robert Bazile, a distinguished military officer and public servant who was forced into exile in 1960 as the Haitian dictatorship purged the military ranks. Rolande and the children would join Robert in 1962, in the city that became their home, Washington, DC. Rolande grew to love the city, and she seemed to have good friends in every department store, hair salon, and restaurant in town. Few could resist her charm.
Rolande was a fantastic cook, and her home on 16th Street NW was the place to be for a traditional Haitian meal; including her legendary rice and beans. Even as she entered her 90s, she continued hosting Sunday family dinners. At those meals, her children introduced their spouses-to-be; she taught her grandchildren their first few words of French and Creole; and family friends learned that Maman would save a space for them if they “just happened to be passing by”.
Sa maison était un foyer chaleureux pour ses neveux et nièces qui y venaient durant les grandes vacances, a Pâques ou a Noel, sachant qu' ils étaient toujours accueillis a bras ouverts.
She was happiest at these celebrations; surrounded by family and friends. Her table overflowed with food—and love. She made everyone feel welcomed.
Maman passed away, peacefully, on Thursday, September 20th. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bazile (d. 2009) and her son Robert (d. 1977). She is survived by three daughters—Jocelline, Jessye, and Jozianne; two sons—Ronald and Reginald; her son-in-law, Theodore Finley Jr.; her daughters-in-law, Lucinda and Mandy; five grandchildren—Patsye Delatour, Robert Finley and his wife Deborah, Briana Bazile, Brandon Bazile, and Matthieu Bazile; and her loving siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Also, her beloved, four-legged, “Colo”.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the charities listed below.
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