Florence Patricia Rossman
Wednesday, February 7, 1945
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Age:
80 years old
Wednesday, February 7, 1945
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Age:
80 years old
Wednesday, February 7, 1945
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Age:
80 years old
Florence Patricia Rossman
Florence Patricia Rossman, 80, died Tuesday July 22, 2025 in Rochester Minnesota. She was born in Sewell, Chile on February 7, 1945.
Florence was the third child born to Mark Rossman, a supervisor at the local copper mine, and Florence Teresa Rossman (Blee), a former teacher. Born with spina bifida, the family decided to relocate back to the states to a farm south of Douglas, Minnesota, luckily near the Mayo Clinic. There, Florence underwent several surgeries growing up to improve her physical abilities. What physical limitations she had, she made up for in academics. Florence graduated from Lourdes High School in 1963. She attended Rochester Community College for 2 years, then left the farm to attend St Cloud State University earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in childhood education. She gained employment as a professor at Wheelock College in Boston, MA where she also achieved her doctorate in Education and remained teaching there for 29 years. During this time, she also obtained a law degree from Boston College. Her summers were often spent traveling the world where she gained an appreciation for people of all cultures. She enjoyed art and took art classes in Florence, Italy to hone her knowledge of the Masters. She always enjoyed celebrations, especially when she returned home to Minnesota for Christmas break to spend time with family. In 2007, she moved back to Rochester to be closer to family. She was often seen touring downtown Rochester on her mobility scooter wearing one of her many hats and chatting with people. She was one of the longest survivors of spina bifida; a testament to what modern medicine and personal grit can attain.
She is survived by her brother, James (Brenda) Rossman, sister-in-law Kristine Rossman, nephews Mark (Diane) Nagy, Tony (Michelle) Rossman and nieces Melissa (Carlos) Galdamez, Cathy (Chad) McDonald, and Sarah (Ryan) Gilgenbach.
She is preceded in death by her younger brother, David Rossman, older sister Mary and husband Charles Nagy, and nephew Benjamin Rossman.
Florence’s Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Saturday August 9th, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, MN. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00am. Burial will be at Calvery Cemetery, Rochester MN.
Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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The family of Florence Patricia Rossman has received the following condolences.
To Florence’s loved ones I offer my deepest condolences. I was very fortunate to be her graduate assistant at Wheelock in the late 1980s and was honored to be entrusted with her power of attorney during a critical surgical procedure. She spent the night before the procedure filling a blank yellow legal pad with precisely printed, meticulously detailed instructions, emblematic of her approach to a thoughtfully considered, organized, optimistic and faithful life. She had a wonderful sense of humor and zest for life, symbolized in a favorite black and white photo of her as a clown. Her influence on generations of children through her gifts of challenging, educating and mentoring of teachers is incalculable. I treasure her memory.
Jim, Brenda and Kris, I'm sorry to hear of Florence's death.
I remember that I visited cousin Florence in Boston in 1975. She was pursuing the doctorate in education, specifically determining how children learn. I got to tag along with her to one of her classes, and it was at Harvard, so I thought I better pay attention. The professor spoke about how maternal diet during pregnancy affects the child in utero at each stage of the child's organ development. Florence could make links between seemingly different types of information in the broad topic of child development, and others could build on that information. Now today we know so much about how people learn. I also remember hearing then that early stage computer companies were interested in the type of research that Florence and her peers were doing. She was an intellectual powerhouse.
Our family has the monks at the Pious Union of St Joseph in Michigan praying for the repose of her soul.
Peace, Mike Blee
Brenda and Jim: I am very saddened to hear of the death of Florence, a long time friend. I first met Florence when we were both on the faculty of Wheelock College, where Florence was known for her courses in the teaching of reading, particularly a pioneering course she developed called, "Symbolization and the Young Child." Florence was a brilliant, dedicated professor who had a strong following among students. I always admired her for her intellect, curiosity, determination and perseverance. We had many dinners together on Melrose Street and occasional weekend visits to the Maley's on the Vineyard. I remember a great day we had when her mother visited Boston and we went to see the Tall Ships out on Castle Island and meeting her sister and brother as well. Florence will be missed.
Jim and Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. I knew she had not been well
Prayers and Blessings.
Virge Wentzel
I have fond memories of Florence during our time at Lourdes. She was a really really nice person. I’m sorry to hear of her loss. I was so impressed reading of all her accomplishments. She was awesome! I would be attending her funeral but for a family reunion that day.
Jim and Brenda, and the rest of the family,
So sorry for the loss of Florence. After reading her obituary today, she really tackled life, and on her terms. What a wonderful way to live her life! Will be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Just wanted to reach out and let you know we are thinking of you,
Russ and Mary Postier family