Rosalie Roh

Rosalie ("Rose") Mae Roh, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Capitol Lakes, in Madison, WI. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 15, 1938, the daughter of Emery and Willeane (Goserud) Oliver. Rose grew up in Madison and attended East High School. She married James Roh on October 22, 1955. They later divorced but remarried (yes, to each other) on January 7, 1989.

Rose was a homemaker, tax preparer, foster parent, volunteer, social worker, support group facilitator and tireless advocate for young, old and in-between, but above all, she was a loving friend, mother, and grandmother. She was also a Cubs, Badgers, Brewers and Packers fan.

Rose worked for Oliver Tax Service for many years, a business her mother owned. Rose began to lose her eyesight while in her 30's, due to retinitis pigmentosa, and eventually became totally blind. Rose returned to school in 1975, taking coursework at MATC and UW-Madison. She obtained certification as a social worker in 1994, at age 56.

For over 30 years, Rose held various positions at Briarpatch. She helped create the Teen Rap Line, led support groups for parents of teens, trained hundreds of volunteers, and was a passionate public speaker; she was once referred to as "the patron saint of teen runaways."

Rose was recognized for her dedication in working with youth and families, receiving several awards over the years, including the "10 Who Make A Difference" award from the Dane County Juvenile Law Enforcement Assoc. in 2000. She was also a YWCA "Woman of Distinction" in 1983 and Madison Newspapers "Know Your Madisonian" in 1985. Rose received an "Older Worker of the Year" award from Over 50 Employment Services in 2000.

Rose was co-facilitator of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group. She also facilitated WEAVE, a support group for women experiencing domestic violence, and a Widows Support group, among others. Rose was given a "Volunteer of the Year" award at her Sherman Glen apartment complex in 2015, where she helped start Music Night and organized holiday meals.

Rose was thoroughly delighted by the 4th graders she spoke to in Sun Prairie as she shared what it was like to be blind. This annual event was a highlight for Rose. She found joy in daily living and cherished her friendships with young and old.

Rose is survived by her children, Valarie Roh, and Vance (Amy) Roh; grandchildren, Natalie, Neal, Tony, Tyson, Christopher, and Cody; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws, many other relatives and countless friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, James, two sons, Vaughn and Vincent, her brothers, Dan and John, and her sweetheart, Lloyd Bruer.

The family thanks, Rose's caregivers (several of whom became close friends of Rose's) and especially her personal assistant for over 14 years, Kelly Damron.

A memorial gathering will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3325 East Washington Ave, Madison, on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Visitation is at 11 am, followed by a noon luncheon and time of sharing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rosalie's name to Porchlight, 306 N. Brooks St, Madison, WI 53715 or the Salvation Army of Dane County, 3030 Darbo Drive, Madison, WI 53714.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3325 E. Washington Avenue, Madison
(608) 249-6666