Alice Rosenoff's Obituary
Alice Rosenoff, age 83 passed away on October 4th, 2013 after a short battle with complications resulting from an auto accident.
Alice was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 31st, 1930. The family moved to Washington State where she lived for over 75 years in Tacoma and surrounding areas. Four years ago she decided on a change of pace and moved back to Ankeny, Iowa, a town outside of Des Moines, where she was close to one of her brother’s and other family members. Alice was back here in Tacoma visiting with her grandchildren, and, to see long time sweetheart Hans Maier and long time friend, Mary Zimmerman. In her last days prior to the accident she was visiting potential retirement living centers with the intention to move back to the Evergreen State.
She is a graduate from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA and retired from the City of Tacoma after 30 years of service. During her career she joined up with a group of ladies and they formed the “birthday bunch”. Every month that one of their birthdays fell, they would meet up and go out to lunch together. This continued on even after she moved to Iowa. When she would come back to Washington for a visit, she always made sure there was at least one day that would be dedicated to meeting with those who were left and go out for a “birthday” lunch. One other birthday bunch member was left for this years’ visit, Grace Feinman.
Alice was married June 28th, 1953 to George Rosenoff. Together they were members of the Tacoma Orchid Society for several years. Her husband preceded her in death in 1989. As a widow and after retirement she enjoyed spending her time working at Meier’s House of Clocks where she became close to her long time sweetheart, Hans Meier, whom she is sadly leaving behind too soon. They travelled to Switzerland and had planned to go again in the near future.
She is survived by her daughter Kathy Rosenoff Hall and Kathy’s fiancé, Rob Rinde. Close by her side in the end , granddaughter Tina McMillan and her husband Mike, great-grandson Josh McMillan and his wife Sara, great-granddaughter Tabitha McMillan and great-great grandson Adrian McMillan.
Coming from a large family, she is also survived by her sister Carolyn Riley, her husband Jim and their children: Diana & Roger Fink, Deborah & Mike Keul and their grandchildren: Lauren, Megan, Joshua, and great-grandchildren: London and Michael. Also, survived by her sister Beverly Mitchell and her children: James & Toni Mitchell, Donald & Theresa Mitchell, Laura Jean & Wesley Huber, and grandchildren Joy, John, Aaron and David. Alice is also survived by her twin brothers: Raymond Anderson, his wife Eileen and their children Jeff & Brenda Anderson, Brian &Lisa Anderson and grandchildren McKenzie, Marissa, Brynn & Kaelen. Richard Anderson, his wife Marilyn and their children: Teresa & Matt Faidley, Christy Townsend, Martin Anderson, and Michael & Cassandra Anderson, and grandchildren Paige, Benjamin, Daniel, Tristen, and Karlye .
Alice was preceded in death by her husband George Rosenoff (1989), mother Lorena Mae Fisher Anderson (1997), father Albert L Anderson (1990) and her sister Mary Louise Anderson Meador (1956).
She was known for making beautiful wedding cakes all over Pierce County which she started out of her friend’s shop. Kathy, her daughter said “I don’t think I have ever seen any more beautiful than those she made.” She loved gardening which showed in her yard in Tacoma. She also had her own garden plot at her condo in Iowa and every time she talked on the phone with Tina she would mention what was or was not growing properly. She also loved to collect Lladros, tea cups w/saucers and Swarovski crystals, nothing but the finest! One more love which was shared by everyone she knew was her love of sewing, knitting and crochet. She has made some of the most beautiful items and as her sister Carolyn mentioned, “She was such a seamstress, she was so talented, she could have been a model!”
Our family would like to extend special thanks to the staff and doctors for both Tacoma General Hospital ER/Intensive Care Unit and Franciscan Hospice House for their care and support during this tragic time. They did everything they could to help her recover, and, then make her transition smooth and peaceful.
Alice, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend will be remembered lovingly by her family and friends for her independent nature. Although independent, she loved the company of her family and close friends. Through her life she shared her passions with her family in person and by phone and gave to us so many memories we can cherish forever. She will be missed dearly but will remain close in all of our hearts!
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?