Irene Rolo

Love, tragedy and solidarity

Irene Dulce da Palma Arez Rolo, was born in Tavira, on June 13, 1893, Saint Anthony's Day. An only child, she always lived with her parents, wealthy and recognized people in the Tavirense community. His father was an Army Captain and his mother was always dedicated to taking care of the home and family.

At the age of falling in love, she fell in love with young Túlio, who came from Beira Alta, and who at the time was doing military service in the city of Tavira. This courtship, well accepted within the family, soon yielded eternal vows of love, celebrated in every word carefully written in the letters they exchanged. The plans for the wedding and the preparation of the trousseau didn't take long. A union for life is envisaged, as was the prerogative of the time.

One day a letter arrived in the mail that would change the course of this story.

One day a letter arrived in the mail that would change the course of this story. The news that arrived showed that Túlio had fallen in love with a girl of his countryman, with whom he had maintained intimate contact, as the young woman herself had reported in the ill-fated letter.

In the eyes of society at the time, this event called traditional and good customs into question and Irene, immersed in deep sadness, decided to break off the relationship. Unhappy with the prospect of not being able to fulfill his overwhelming passion, Túlio, in a little thoughtless act, took a pistol and without mercy or mercy murdered his old girlfriend, then committing suicide.

Irene, upon learning the tragic news, fell into a deep and painful state of sadness and isolated herself in her home. He never again considered finding love and starting a family.For many years he lived between his residence on Rua da Liberdade and his farm in Horta do Carmo, opting for the countryside in the hottest seasons.

With the Revolution of April 25, her house in the city was occupied and vandalized, which led to Irene living only in Horta do Carmo, in the company of her numerous cats and her caretakers who took care of the farm.

From his living room window he could see the majestic avenue that gave access to the property and which served as a shelter for many destitute people, to whom he provided support.

In this environment was born a growing desire to help others and the decision to donate their assets to a social cause.

In this environment was born a growing desire to help others and the decision to donate their assets to a social cause.

With the drive of an entrepreneur with proven experience in the area of ??solidarity in Alentejo, who at a good time crossed paths in Irene's life, the conditions were met to make a dream come true.

Thus, in 1981, Irene's will was signed, which would give shape to the work of the Irene Rolo Foundation. Between meetings with various entities, namely Social Security, support for people with disabilities appeared to be a necessity in the municipality of Tavira, which was important to prioritize and Irene soon fell in love with this cause. The passion experienced then seemed to awaken again in Irene's life, in the form of solidarity.

In the years that followed, he closely followed all the preparatory work for the creation of the desired Foundation.

In April 1982, the public deed for the creation of the Irene Rolo Foundation was carried out and that same year the cornerstone of the building was laid, an event experienced with great intensity by the donor.

... closely followed all the preparatory work for the creation of the coveted foundation.

On August 31, 1984, Irene passed away.

As per his request, he was buried with many of the letters sent by Túlio, his great love. Love conquers all and solidarity is a form of love. A love that Irene once discredited, but which she rediscovered almost at the end of her life.

And it is the responsibility of all of us to perpetuate this love, which materializes every day in respect for human diversity and respect for the rights of people with disabilities.

Text prepared based on reports by Maria do Castelo Braga and Alice Baião.