Roselyn was stunningly radiant on the day we met. She looked more like a glamorous “screen siren” reminiscent of the Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable days.
Roselyn is fortunate to have good genes; both her grandmother’s lived to be 106 and 97. They grew up in North Dakota, and Roselyn would tell them “No wonder you look so young, you grew up in weather that is 50 degrees below zero!” The grandmother who lived to be 106 used to get a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States every year from the time she was 100!
Roselyn’s life is all about the love for her children and her grandchildren, and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. We can’t forget to mention that other little bundle of joy in her life, her precious dog Cassie, a Maltese, whom she cherishes.
Roselyn is very committed to helping the community in any way she can, and there’s no “donor fatigue” here, she just keeps on giving. You see Roselyn’s name on just about every contributor list around. She’s always thinking of the less fortunate who need a helping hand, and she likes getting involved in causes that are close to her heart rather than just showing up for an event.
No stranger to tough times, Roselyn knows that life can often bring some unexpected twists and turns. She positively encourages everyone though not look at the negative things that have happened in the past, “just keep looking ahead to a bright future and say that was then, this is now.”
At this more peaceful time in her life, Roselyn loves to just kick back, play golf, get together with her weekly bridge group, and, of course - the “Birthday Girls Club” monthly. “Be whoever you want to be, and let’s honor our lives as women,” Roselyn says with conviction. “If we want to go around in blue jeans all day, or go eat pizza or fast food with our grandkids, then that’s what we should do. In our 20’s and 30’s we had to worry about and watch every little thing. Now we’ve earned the right to have more time to play.”
Roselyn loves all of the arts, and she has season tickets for the theatre, opera, symphony, and the Director’s Society Club for the Denver Center Theatre Company. “Having dinner with the cast after the play is so much fun.”
Traveling and playing with her grandkids definitely ranks high on Roselyn’s list, and she is quite the golf addict. She says she’s just “a teenager at golf right now” and has a goal of becoming a scratch golfer someday.
Roselyn’s idea of a perfect trip would be playing golf at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach, and she loves staying in places that have an air of ambiance and romance. She says “Sometimes it’s just the fantasy of it all!” Roselyn then goes on to contently say “I’m just so happy to be here enjoying life.”
Do you have a favorite childhood memory? I was the first granddaughter in the family, so I got spoiled a lot. I remember my Mom and Dad laughing all the time; with five kids, something was always happening. Playing “tea party” with my cousins and teddy bears.
What is your favorite place in your house? My bedroom in the evening.
If your house were up for sale, what would your home tell a potential buyer about you? She has a lot of “stuff,” - and hundreds of pictures! I have tons of photographs from all the years, and they tell so many stories.
What social or charitable event(s) is your favorite? “Western Fantasy” is a lot of fun, and they raise over one million dollars for the Volunteers of America. “Monte Carlo Night,” when the Colorado Neurological Institute used to do it. The Adoption Exchange had a great event last year with Pat Boone as their Honorary Chair, “Saturday Night Alive” for the DCPA, and also, golf tournaments.
Who is your hero and why? Throughout my life, I’ve had many heroes. My Dad, my doctors, and other wise ones who have taught me to persevere and see things clearer.
What do you find particularly challenging? Focusing on all the wonderful things my son is doing as a police officer, and never being afraid for him.
What’s your favorite restaurant? Depending on whom I’m with; it’s always changing from 3 Margaritas to Elway’s. I love the corn chowder and duck tacos at Elway’s.
What do you most value in your friends? They are always there for me and very trustworthy.
What makes you laugh? A lot of things, my puppy, my grandkids, silly things I do, great jokes, and fun friends.
What is your greatest indulgence? Coconut meringue pie or a Coke and frozen yogurt float about 10 p.m. at night.
What is your greatest extravagance? Taking my children and grandchildren to Hawaii the last few years and all flying “First Class.”
What do you consider your proudest or most significant achievement? Rebuilding my life after my brain tumor surgery.
What qualities do you value most in a man? Sense of humor, honesty, morals, and values. That “someone special” in my life would need to enjoy golf, like to travel, love my kids and grandkids and – my puppy. Finding someone who has all the qualities you are looking for is hard.
What one word describes you best? Playful.
What one word would others use to describe you? Generous.
If there were one thing you would change about yourself, what would it be? Having all my mind back!
If you life were a movie, whom would you like to play you? A dear friend said definitely Raquel Welch.
What’s important to you? Sharing special time with family and friends.
What are some of your other hobbies or interests? Taking lots of pictures, Yoga, flower gardening, decorating homes, painting, watching my granddaughters in “Cheer” competitions and seeing the new baby animals at the zoo with the grandkids. Have I mentioned golf?
What do you like most about the town or state you live in? I love the mountains, our beautiful sunsets, and my special friends.
Is there another city/state/country that is also special to you? Sydney, Paris, and Maui, always give me a wonderful feeling of history and indulgence. I got a “Hole in One” at the Makeno North Golf Course in Maui.
What is your current state of mind? Enthusiastic about life.
What made you the person you are today? My past health problems, my children, and the close friends I’ve had.
What are you looking forward to in the future? Sharing special times with special friends. Being a part of my grandchildren’s lives, and watching them thrive and grow into individuals who love life.
What would you most like to pass on to your family or future generations? Love, generosity, and kindness to each other.
What might your epitaph read, or what would you most like to be remembered for? She gave everything she could and more.
