Monday, November 05, 2007

Farewell to Rose

Rose Finkelstein, age 101, passed away last night. She seemed to be an everlasting presence at our hospital, spending over 50 years in one capacity or another. She came here as a young nurse. After retirement, she volunteered in our obstetrics department, where she was particularly known for singing to the babies. Each year, she would win the award for most hours worked as a volunteer -- 629 hours in 2004, 650 hours in 2005. In 2004, we created an award in her name, The Rose Award, established to recognize a volunteer’s steadfast commitment to service. Rose was a sweet, kind, generous person -- with a voice to match! We join those lucky babies who had a chance to hear and know her.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw. A life well lived.

Christian Sinclair said...

Volunteers are one of the greatest assets to health care (especially in hospice). My condolences to her family. She has probably touched innumerable lives with her vocation and her volunteerism, and inspired many others to do more with their time.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it interesting how creative people can be when their heart is set on making the world a better place? I wouldn't have thought of a "lullaby team" for the Ob ward - and yet, how wonderful that Rose did. She's a true inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Exactly. Very nicely stated. Thanks.

Terry at Counting Sheep said...

A lovely tribute to a really neat lady. Volunteers make hospitals very special places. The Rose Award is a fabulous idea.

Anonymous said...

Oh no!!! I'm so sad. She was such a sweetheart. I had the pleasure of working with her for 6 years. I will definitely miss her. :(

Anonymous said...

You all knew her a rose but I was a lucky one to know her as nana,
What a special person. She was our energizer bunny. Our Nana was alway there for every family event. Nothing slowed her down.
She was sharp as a tack as strong as an ox.
We will all miss that smile of her's.

Richard Greenberg

Anonymous said...

She's one wonderful lady. Good for you to have known her. There are a lot of people like her in the medical field, only that most people just don't notice and just take for granted their work.

Granson Leonard said...

my grandmother, is deeply miss. by all who knew her. and touched the hearts of many. my wife, has followed my grandmothers footsteps as a nursing asst. for 31 years. and still works in nursing. she was my grandmothers, 1st. daughter in law. as they known each other for 34 years. and was handed my grandmothers, watch. she wore all those years at the Beth Isreal hospital Boston, Ma. by my mother. she said my grandmother, wanted her to have the watch. and wear it as a reminder of time. of those we care for. thank you grandma, and my wife, thanks you. we are, "and will all ways be a part of your heart. and our hearts. as they beat as one. you are deeply missed your son, Leonard and wife Patricia Greenberg