On February 14, Eileen Roland passed away peacefully in her Provincetown home surrounded by family.
Eileen was born on June 14, 1932 in Yorkshire, England to parents Albert and Lily Rusling(Broderick). She was the sixth of seven children and was predeceased by siblings Norah, Ralph(Sonny), Edgar, Frank, Arthur, and Betty. Born and raised on a farm, she adored her agrarian upbringing and cherished her connection to the land, farm animals, especially horses. As a young woman her interests turned to art, travel, and a career in hotel operations. In 1967, she and her then husband Romain travelled through Europe and over land to Northern Africa en route to New York City.
They spent ten years in New York City where Eileen trained as a hairdresser and later specialized in contemporary hair design at Crimpers Salon in Greenwich Village. In 1976, after discovering Provincetown on a Cape Cod visit, the couple instantly were drawn to the natural beauty and charm of the lovely fishing village. They purchased The Rose and Crown Guesthouse and after renovation, opened a Bed & Breakfast. In 1978, they embarked on a complete restoration of 157 Commercial Street, one of the town’s oldest buildings, known as Snug Harbor, and opened Chez Romain Bistro. Their commitment to this restoration project was unstinting. The completion was their proudest achievement, and continues to enrich the town.
Eileen was instrumental in the redevelopment of 155 Commercial Street and the opening of West End Salon. In the 1990’s she purchased 184 Commercial Street where she offered rooms and apartments for rent to year round and seasonal workers. Eileen will be remembered for her kindness, determination and her never ending love for Provincetown.
She is survived by her loving family: Janet, Bob and Harry, Edward, Sylvia, Jonathan, Sally, Joseph, and Maisie, Sharon, Kenny, Saffron, Cinnamon, Jacob, And Amber, and her Great, great, great nephews Logan, Isaac and Jasper all of the United Kingdom, and Ron Cram and Jorge Deleon of Provincetown.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, February 17th, at St Mary of the Harbor Episcopal Church, 517 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA.. Burial will follow in Provincetown Cemetery.