Rolande Eva "Billard" Mirakian

Rolande Eva Mirakian, 89
December 23, 1935 – August 6, 2025
Rolande Eva (Billard) Mirakian passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Norton, Massachusetts, at the age of 89, following a period of cognitive decline. She was ready to be reunited with her beloved husband, Gaspard Mirakian, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion.
Born on December 23, 1935, in Paris, France, Rolande was the daughter of Henri Billard and Elise Brochard. She was one of five children-sisters André, Henriette, and Jacqueline-and also had a younger brother who passed away in early childhood. Raised during the turbulent years of World War II, Rolande's family endured the German occupation of France. Her father served as a captain of police and was a member of the French Resistance, an experience that shaped their resilience and unity.

On July 23, 1955, Rolande married Gaspard Mirakian. Together they welcomed their daughter Rose on June 26, 1960. In pursuit of new opportunities and a brighter future for their family, they immigrated to the United States in 1965 by boat and settled in Plainfield, New Jersey. Rolande balanced work during the day while attending school at night to learn English and earn an associate degree-a testament to her determination and strength.

In the early 1970s, the family moved to Hillsborough, New Jersey. Rolande began working as a computer programmer at Raritan Valley Community College while Gaspard fulfilled his dream by opening his own tailor shop, "Au Gentilhomme." The two were inseparable partners in life and were known for their deep bond and shared adventures.

Rolande had a vibrant spirit and found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved singing, dancing, playing cards and spent many hours knitting and crocheting beautiful pieces for those she cared about. A gracious hostess and talented cook, she delighted in entertaining family and friends-her summer picnics were legendary, and her caramel flan was always a favorite. Her laughter was unmistakable-joyful and contagious-and her warm presence left an impression on all who knew her.

The birth of her grandson Chase on December 10, 1987, brought immense happiness to Rolande's life. He remained the light of her world through the years. In 2000, she and Gaspard relocated to Middleborough, Massachusetts to be closer to their family.

Rolande is survived by her loving daughter Rose; the memory of (the late Scott Wheeler), grandson Chase Wheeler; daughter-in-law Erica; and great-grandson Joey-whose visits always brought a radiant smile to her face.

She is continued to be loved by her sisters Henriette (and late husband Claude Niverts) and Jacqueline (and late husband Guy), as well as by the memory of her late sister André (and late husband Henri). Her extended family includes sister-in-law Denise (and late brother-in-law George), brother-in-law Bernard (and late wife Michelle), and the memory of brother-in-law Robert (and late wife Christianne).

Rolande is remembered by a large and loving extended family: thirteen nieces and nephews along with two cousins.

On the Billard side: niece Claudine (Loquet) with husband Christian; their son Sebastien with wife Sophie and daughters Lucie, Valentine, and Aline; Christian's daughters Lydia and Aurelia; nephew Michel with wife Valerie and children Gregory and Sandra; niece Dominique with husband Serge and children Virginie and Mickael; Laurent with wife Brigitte and sons Sebastien and Julien; Jean-Baptiste, Valentin, niece Brigitte with husband Daniel ; niece Claudine (Niverts) with husband Jean-Marc and son William with wife Rami , niece Josette with
husband Christian and children Aline and Xavier; niece Jocelyne with husband Olivier and children Celine, Laetitia, Mathieu-Julien, Damien, and Celine; cousin Madeleine with son Dominique; cousin Georges with wife Huguette and sons Francis and Jean-Luc.

On the Mirakian side: niece Veronique with children Evan, Rachel, Tristen, and Melissa; niece Carine with husband Don and children Bobby, Christopher, and Alexa Nenno; Paul Galeazzi; nephew Gregory with girlfriend Jolene and her daughters Sonya and Katarina; nephew Pascal with wife Sylvie and children Kevin, Marie-Astride, and Charlene; niece Geraldine with children Chiara and Benjamin.

In addition to her family, Rolande has left behind many cherished friends who held special places in her heart: Marcelle and Gilbert Bruneaux; Clairette Roupinian; Dianne, Bob, Kimberly and Shawn Kaminski; Alan and Brenda Silliker, Joan and the late Charlie Davis and the late Geri Vandenberg.

A Mass of Celebration will be held on Thursday, August 21st at 11a.m. at Sacred Heart Church of Saint Isidore Parish at Center Street in Middleboro, Massachusetts.

A luncheon will follow at the Fireside Grille in Middleboro, MA at 12:30 p.m., for those who are able to attend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To honor Rolande's memory further, please enjoy the beautiful 60th wedding anniversary tribute created by her grand-nephew Sebastien Loquet:
https://vimeo.com/847806232

Rolande lived a life marked by perseverance, love for family, joyful gatherings, quiet strength-and above all-a deep sense of connection to those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.