Return to main Mensa page


Obituary: MADAME FANTINE DE LA VALLEE

by Monsieur J. Valjean

 

It is with sadness that I announce the death of Madame Fantine de la Vallee.

She was one of the oldest French-speaking Inhabitants of Jersey and was well-known to Members of Mensa in Jersey for her great simplicity and charm. In her youth, she was quiet and retiring, almost something of a recluse, although, as I can testify, those who took the trouble to visit her home in St. Saviour will never forget how she was always welcoming, whether you were a friend or stranger.

So it was something of a surprise to her friends when, late in life, she took -to the stage and played what must be a unique part in the annals of drama. As "Queenie", she caught the attention and gained the affection of many Islanders. Unhappily her career as an actress, although it brought to light her true brilliance, was short lived. She came to a conflict of interests with her theatre manager, Mr Thenardier, part of which concerned her finances. He determined -that she would never be seen on stage again and, in my opinion, arrogantly refused to reconsider this decision, even after a last minute petition by her many loyal fans.

It will be remembered that "Theatre Review", under the editorial guidance of Mr. Pierre Javert strongly supported Mr. Thenardier’s argument of finances. "How long," said the Journal, "can we tolerate Fantine de la Vallee, and the rising costs that she engenders?"

After this, "Queenie" left the stage and her tragic death by drowning followed in the same year. It is fitting we mourn her passing, and with her the passing of an age. There will never be another "Queenie".