Haydee Rolin

Haydee Rolin July 20, 1922 - January 1, 2017
RIP Beautiful Mom, Mother in law, Grandmother, Great Grandmother
It is with deep sadness and everlasting love in my heart that I share the news of my mom's passing on NewYear's Day, after a seven week illness.
She passed peacefully at her home in West Orange, NJ, from complications due to kidney disease, surrounded by myself, my husband Anthony Batson and grandchildren Alex Batson, Nicolas Batson, and Genna Batson.
Mom came to the United States from Panama in 1949 after a career as an elementary school teacher, to study at UC Berkeley.
She obtained a Master's in Economics and met my dad Etienne Rolin, from Belgium.
Haydee lived a long and luscious life, embracing her adopted country, thriving with her new European family, while living the American dream. She raised my brother and I and several German Shepherds in the bucolic hills of Marin County.
She embraced diversity, opening our home to people of all cultures and backgrounds. Haydee thirsted for knowledge, learned French and Italian, valued education and advancement of women well before it became a social movement. She always loved meeting new people, reaching across the void to forge new friendships, discussion and foster personal and spiritual growth in herself and others.
Haydee was a remarkable giver, teacher, mother, and friend to many during her long life.
Well traveled, well read, well loved, and well opinionated, she was a proud member of her church, the Association of American University Women, a realtor in Marin County, a Spanish and French tutor throughout her life. She sought to keep her life meaningful by using her talents and sharp intellect in everything she touched until her final days.
Her persona was grand and elegant and she left a lasting impression wherever she went. She was an integral part of the Batson family life, present for every single holiday, birthday, many vacations, and family dinners. She shared her wisdom and insights generously with her grandchildren; having lived a life spanning so many advances in communication, culture and technology she was remarkably open and adaptable.
It's hard to believe she has gone. Her absence has created a huge vacuum in our lives, but I must say that we feel her presence among us ever so strongly, more than ever. This is love. As I reflect on her legacy, I feel very blessed. Rest In Peace dear mom.
Haydee is survived by my brother, Etienne, of Bordeaux, France, 6 grandchildren - Alex, Nick, and Genna Batson of Montclair, NJ; Dominique Rolin of Brisbane, Australia and her daughter Erin, 5, Marianne Rolin of Brussels, Belgium and her son Hugo 6 months, Vincent Rolin of Louvain, Belgium.
For those who wish to celebrate her life with us there is a Memorial Service at St.John's Episcopal Church in Montclair this Saturday, Jan 14, at 12pm with a reception at our house to follow.
On Friday, April 21st, Haydee's ashes will be interred at a burial ceremony at her church in Gaithersburg, MD, St. Rose of Lima.

-Annette

Donations in her memory may be made to Women for Women International http://www.womenforwomen.org or Maryknoll https://maryknollsociety.org/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=maryknoll.org