A Gardiner of Words

Roseline Bernaud Cardinal: Writer. Poet. Wife. Muse.

Born May 21, 1941, in Thonon-les-Bains, France; died October 13, 2024, in Montreal, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); aged 83.

Roseline's life unfolds like a beautifully penned novel set against the scenic landscapes of France and the vibrant streets of Montreal.

Born by the tranquil shores of Lac Léman, she was the third of four children to René, a photographer, and Marie, a French teacher.

Roseline’s childhood and adolescence were spent in Cannes, in a small apartment that was only two blocks from the last home of the 19th-century short-story French master, Guy de Maupassant - a subtle omen, perhaps, of her own literary journey.

An enthusiastic student, Roseline excelled in French, music, history, and art, though mathematics was not her forte. She was a voracious reader who lived myriad lives through the pages of her books. The passing of her mother Marie in 1959 was a pivotal moment that cast a shadow over her youth. Grief threatened to consume her, but poetry extended a healing hand. Immersing herself in writing hundreds of poems, she navigated the turbulent seas of sorrow and found solace in the rhythm of words.

A serendipitous meeting in 1962 changed the course of her life. While visiting a friend's father's garage, Roseline crossed paths with Marcelin Cardinal, a Canadian painter with a studio in Cannes. An invitation to his gallery opening led to a missed rendezvous due to a misunderstanding, but Roseline's heartfelt apology reignited their connection. Marcelin became the love of her life, their bond solidified through shared voyages by ship to New York, where Marcelin showcased his art.

Married in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in May 1965, the couple eventually settled in Montreal in 1971. There, Marcelin transformed a vacant garage into his art studio while Roseline continued to "cultivate her garden of words". Balancing various jobs, she poured her heart into writing, contributing short stories to magazines like Châtelaine and crafting pieces that graced the airwaves of Radio-Canada and Radio Suisse Romande. Her talent was recognized in 1979 when she won first prize in Radio-Canada's 7th competition for radio drama in the 30-minute category. In 1988, her collection of short stories, Juliette et les autres (Éditions Hurtubise), was published and acclaimed for its beauty—each story being compared by a reviewer as a precious pearl adorning a necklace.

Roseline and Marcelin chose a life devoted to each other and their artistic passions. Their home on Queen Mary Road was a warm haven filled with creativity, respectful collaboration, and the joy of entertaining friends. Roseline was Marcelin's anchor, providing the stability he needed to create, while he valued her insights into his work. Their partnership was a testament to mutual support and shared dreams.

The death of Marcelin in October 2019 at the age of 99 was a profound loss for Roseline. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after compounded her isolation, depriving her of the comfort of family and friends. Yet, once again, she sought refuge in her writing, penning the story of their enduring love—a therapeutic endeavor that bridged her past and present.

Roseline's health declined rapidly in the spring of 2024, and she was diagnosed with ALS just a day before her passing on October 13. closing a poignant chapter of unwavering love and dedication.

The thought of Roseline and Marcelin reuniting in a serene, eternal garden of colors, light and words offers a bittersweet comfort. Their story is more than a chronicle of two lives intertwined; it is a celebration of how art and love can profoundly shape our existence.

Roseline's dedication to creativity and literature provided solace during challenging times, and her resilience continues to inspire, reminding us of the beauty that emerges when we embrace our passions wholeheartedly.

Agnès Bernaud is Roseline’s niece; Christopher Lucarotti is a friend.

Photos, courtesy of the family.