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
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ReplyDeleteRose was a friend in good times and in bad. She made me laugh and offered insight at moments in life where it seemed that none could be found. She took the most beautiful photographs of our children in moments of joy in their lives at St. Anne's and those photos mean more to us than one can imagine. Liz, Fred and I all adored her and her absence will be deeply felt by the Johnson/Masoudi family.
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ReplyDeleteRose helped me get into St. Anne's in the 70's. She was my 5th grade teacher and instrumental in my early education. She taught me the value of manners. Forever grateful, Sean Herbert
ReplyDeleteSean - that is truly sweet and very touching. Rose was a gentle kind soul. She taught me a lot too, mainly the gift of laughter at all times and under the most trying of circumstances. Her jokes and comments could be as incorrigible and irreverent as my own and we would trade barbs back and forth for hours at a time.
ReplyDeleteRose was as close to being a sister to me as anyone has ever been. Our friendship began in the eighties and blossomed over the years. It started at St. Anne's but transcended the school boundaries. About ten years ago I moved out of Colorado, so contact had become pretty sporadic.
Like everyone else who loves Rose, I was horrified when I learned she was sick. Hardly a day went by that I didn't think of her funny little giggle - a signal that she was about to tell an irreverent joke. Her laughter is one of the things I loved most about her, along with a string several miles long of other attributes.
After I posted my first comment I realized almost immediately that only a few would understand what many do not - that that's the kind of thing Rose and I have have always done. But realizing that, I have asked the administrator to remove it. It was bad judgement on my part. I loved Rose with all my heart.
Rose was my 5th Grade Teacher back in the 1970's. She was great and the best 5th Grade Teacher one could ask for. There are lots of memories of her helping me with school. I remember her art. I even have a cartoon that she drew for me when I sat next to her desk. Rose will be missed by all.
ReplyDeleteEd Niblock
As a parent of a St. Anne's student, THANK YOU, Rose. You were one of the teachers who got our son "moving" in school...partly due to your creative, different teaching methods. Our son is now an adult; he has a great career. But, St. Anne's staff certainly gets credit for some of his success.
ReplyDeleteSharon G. Niblock
Rosanna Rosanna Dana you had a huge impact on my life. The lessons you taught me have been some of the most important I ever learned. I will remember you always.
ReplyDeleteI woke up today and realized, again, how great is our loss. She brought us into the family of SAE, nurtured all of us, and made us laugh.
ReplyDeleteMy son Rayvon Solomon is a former student of St Anne's and we just received the news of the passing of Rose Kelly. Rose was very dear to my son and I. We will always remember her and be grateful for the love she shared and showed to us. I remember her always wanting to hear me talk. She couldn't get enough of my New York accent. I would like to extend my prayers and deepest condolences to her family. Felicia Solomom
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