On Saturday, July 31, 2010, St. Anne’s Episcopal School and our world lost a dear, longtime friend in Rose Kelly after a long, valiant, and courageous battle with cancer. For over 30 years, Rose helped shape and guide our school. Over the course of her career, her formal roles encompassed lower school teacher, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Assistant Head of School, but the relationships and bonds she formed with people were the heart of her many gifts to our school. Saying Rose will be deeply missed is woefully inadequate; saying she will be remembered and a lasting influence is equally understated.
In addition to her innumerable gifts to St. Anne’s and her family, Rose was a renowned and talented artist of multiple mediums and an avid journalist. Her writings stretch into the thousands of pages. In honor of Rose and her love of writing, and as a means of recording some of the stories, moments, and memories she created in the lives of the many people she touched, we have created this blog site. Please feel free to post your favorite memories of Rose, thoughts and reflections, or simple messages of love and support.
These postings will be viewed by the family and stored for their future reflection and healing. They will not, however, respond to each message, as the task would be overwhelming. I am certain everyone understands this request. The memories and lessons Rose instilled in each of us will be with us always. They will also assist us in our efforts to move forward as Rose would want us to do—together, with love, determination, optimism, and an unending sense of humor.
Sincerely,
Alan Smiley
Head of School
