The End Of An Era

Yesterday I was checking my email before heading to bed when I discovered a message from my uncle that my great grandmother has passed away. I relayed the news to Andrew who never had the opportunity to meet Rosa, or Mama Rose as our family refers to her. He kind of looked at me like, I feel like I'm supposed to know what to say, but I don't know what to say, so maybe I shouldn't say anything at all, and I absently said, "It's all right, don't feel like you have to say anything."



A public memorial service is being held for Rosa on June 5 at 11.00 am at The Tampa Theatre where she last performed in August. She would have been 108 on June 2.

You can read the most recent articles about Rosa's life published here and here or hear her play the organ in a 2006 National Public Radio interview here.

She will be missed by many.