I vividly remember meeting Roz at some party or fundraiser. When our eyes met across the roomful of people I knew at that moment we would be lovers. That has never happened before or since. It was such a reflection of how direct and passionate she was. It was a Wild time in both our lives!

Roz and i went to our first vision fast ceremony at the School of Lost Borders together in ‘97. It was the end of our time together but we both went on to explore rites of passage at the School and it changed both our lives. Her work was deeply affected and I continue to work with the School today, having just finished leading a training for them last week.

This is a big loss for so many who loved Roz. And I’m thinking about Russ too. Seeing here that Russ has a family of his own warms my heart. Blessings to you all and may your memories of Roz bring comfort!

Pedro

Roz and I met in Dr. Ray Becvar’s office the first day or our doctoral program at St. Louis University, what better bonding experience to forge a life-long friendship. We supported each other through years of coursework, studying for comps and writing our dissertations. We found creative ways to make it fun by creating our study cards in gorgeous colors, feasting on our favorite foods and being nurtured by a young Russell who kept us supplied with his home baked chocolate chip cookies and banana bread filled with love.

My move to Florida in 1987 led to further opportunities for great visits and professional collaborations. When I started teaching at Nova Southeastern and developed a MFT Family Medicine specialization, Roz started working at St. Johns Mercy in St. Louis, training Family Doctors. We met every year at a terrific Medical Family Therapy conference, presenting together, inspiring each other and always having fun. When I left Nova to join Capella University, in the MFT department, Roz soon followed. Our love of our profession and enjoyment of developing courses, new residency experiences and mentoring learners, infused and sustained so many opportunities to work and play together.

We always managed to fit in fun visits; me to be with her in Kona and her to stay with Ron and I in either Florida or San Diego. I cherish all the times spent with my incomparable, unique friend. Rosalyn was a free spirit, strong, determined and deeply spiritual. She was fierce in the love of her son Russel, daughter-in-law Lauren and beautiful grandchildren. She loved life, nature, and the many clients and learners she connected with over a long professional career. I see her in my heart in her purple outfit, enjoying a radiant afternoon at Swami’s Meditation garden. I feel her presence and she is smiling.

I hope your own colorful memories of Rosalyn, your mother, sister, grandmother and friend, will sustain and comfort you. L’Shana Tovah .

Sherri Muchnick

I met Rosalyn in the mid aughts when she was still in St. Louis. I was in a very bad place, but was so impressed with her that I insisted on staying in contact when she left STL on her adventures to Hawaii and many other places. 

She opened the door for me to so many insights, and so effectively countered many of the pervasive narratives of contemporary life, that she left a multitude of fingerprints on who I am and what I believe. She helped to validate the way I see and process the world (or worlds perhaps), and did so with such warmth and pragmatism. In time she became a touchstone who knew many of my stories. 

She was so good a reframing the (seemingly awful) moment or situation into an opportunity for learning or growth. She had a unique perspective that she shared willingly and generously.

I relied on her and she came to my aid countless times.

She is a true healer and spiritual guide, and I was lucky to have known her and worked with her for so long.

With gratitude