Elizabeth Adair Rose

After a courageous struggle with cancer, our beloved sister, daughter, auntie, cousin and friend, Elizabeth Adair Rose (Beth) passed away at home encircled by her family, October 20, 2024 at the age of 68.

Beth was born at Howard University Hospital, in Washington, D.C. on June 16,1956. She grew up on the West Coast, first in Sonoma, then Napa, one of the elder siblings in the large Rose family.  At age 16, Beth set off to boarding school at Prairie High, a Christian boarding school in Alberta.  Later she attended Western Baptist Bible College (now called Corban) in Salem, Oregon. 

A lover of learning, Beth earned her Masters degree at Western Seminary.  When it came to what was important to her, Beth called upon deep inner resources, doubling down when faced with challenge.  She gained licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist both in California and in the State of Washington, where she moved to establish her psychotherapy practice. It was as a therapist that Beth found her calling, helping people heal.  

Returning to Napa in more recent years to be closer to family, she volunteered in the community while considering whether to start a private practice in California.  She was soon drawn into a role of "Project Manager" at the family home, overseeing each job to completion.

Beth had a mischievous, playful side.  Her laugh and smile are unforgettable.  She possessed a sense of style and propriety that emerged early on in her life.   As a sophomore in college, she was chosen Homecoming Princess, a fitting title for those who knew her. Beth appreciated excellent cuisine, welcomed social gatherings, and enjoyed the role of a “Wedding Planner.”

Beth cultivated and treasured her lifelong relationships with friends and family.  She loved music, books, wild nature and gardens, looking forward to her next trip and adventure.  Some of her favorite memories were: trips to Yosemite and other National Parks, a summer living on a kibbutz in Israel, Lake Louise, Bavaria, and exploration of Patagonia.

Beauty was a portal to God for Beth.  In a letter read to family in her final days, Beth quoted C.S. Lewis from a sermon called The Weight of Glory: “We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words — to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.” 

Beth had the capacities to observe, deeply listen, and teach, and sought to make and keep connection.  Beth was able to quietly offer practical assistance without offending. Known for sticking to her principles and shying away from gossip, she spoke truth in a nonjudgmental way.

Beth loved words and the Word, but lived by example.  She was devoted to her dear ones, unwavering in her loyalty and kindness.  Apparent to all who knew her, she was led by her deep faith in God.

Beth is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Adair Rose (Libby) and by siblings Lauren Wise, Amy Rose Dalton (Nathan), Meg Losey (Bob), Barbara Rose (Raja), Stephen  Rose (Andrea), John Rose, Aviva Rose-Dwyer (John), Priscilla Rose, Rebecca Rose (Wendel), Abby Webber (David), and a myriad of beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.  She was predeceased by her father, Ralph Sheldon Rose and siblings Aaron Rose and Rachel Rose.

The family wishes to thank all those who supported Beth through her illness, and who loved Beth well over the course of her life.

A 2 pm Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Fireside Room of Grace Church of Napa Valley, 3765 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 on November 25, 2024. 

Donations in Beth’s honor can be made to a private Memorial Fund that was near and dear to her heart.  For more information please email the family at a1j1rose@yahoo.com

Please join us in observing Beth’s life.

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