Gineste, Marie-Rose (1911–)

views updated

Gineste, Marie-Rose (1911–)

French resistance worker. Born 1911 near Montauban, France.

During WWII, volunteered to take a letter from Monsignor Théas, which condemned the arrest and deportation of the Jews, to priests within 100 km of Montauban, to be read in all the Sunday services; rode her bike for 4 days, delivering the letter; became head of the Maquis in her area, forging documents and harboring Jews within 50 meters of Gestapo headquarters. Recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Gentile among the Nations (Oct 24, 1985).

See also Showtime movie "Woman on a Bicycle," starring Sela Ward (1997).