Rosa Lee wanted to be remembered as a funny and friendly lady who enriched life with laughter and kindness.
Born in Chicago, Illinois to Sam and Jennie Bernstein, Rosa Lee had two older brothers, Morris and Herbert. Her father was known around Chicago as “Sam the Barber.” Her mother, Jennie, was an outstanding cook, baker and homemaker. She volunteered often and was on the board of several non-profit organizations. Rosa Lee’s maternal grandmother, Mary Rosman-Banks, was an independent business woman!
While not a wealthy family, they were close knit and spent a lot of time with their many aunts, uncles and cousins, typically getting together on Sunday afternoons for a large family dinner and game night.
Rosa Lee held a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and a MA degree from San Diego State University; she was a Speech Therapist, Toastmaster, Public Speaker, Master of Ceremonies, Program Coordinator, Columnist, Volunteer and Jewish Wedding Ceremony Coordinator. She was an incredibly loving and generous daughter, sister, wife, mother, cousin, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many.
To get more insight into Rosa Lee, enjoy this unique audio interview of Rosa Lee by her daughter, Janet Lawrence. Rosa Lee received this thoughtful interview opportunity from her daughter Martine and Bina. Rosa Lee selected Janet to do the interview. This recording is now housed at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The interview is about 45 minutes, so sit down, relax and enjoy! (click on the image)
Rosa Lee appreciated this poem that was a favorite of Audrey Hepburn and read at Ms. Hepburn’s funeral You will see how much they apply to Rosa Lee:
