Troy, New York – Dorcas B. Rose, 84, died at home surrounded by family after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She and her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Rose, have been proud Troy residents for the last 40 years. They met at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she earned her B.S. and M.S. in chemistry. Born in Champaign, IL, she was the daughter of Homer Baker and Alice Koehler Baker.
Dorcas had a life-long passion for justice and inclusion. Over the decades she worked tirelessly to make sure everyone’s voices were heard in community development projects including town meetings, promoting home ownership, community art projects, neighborhood associations and more. Active member of Christ Church United Methodist, the Institute of Cultural Affairs and former Board President of Troy Area United Ministries, Dorcas always looked for opportunities to serve. She traveled widely, enjoyed crafting and time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son David (Christine) Rose of Reading, MA, her daughter Alice (Paul Marano) Rose of Troy, NY, and her grandchildren Christopher, Nathan and Madeline Rose. She will also be missed by her siblings Marian Kohlstedt of Berkeley, CA, Audrey (Fred) Warren of Marquette, MI, and David (Karen Fletcher) Baker of Portland, OR.
REMEMBERING DORCAS
Dorcas’s Memorial Service on May 14, 2022 was held at the United Methodist Church in Troy, with a video tribute created by her daughter Alice Rose showing the extent to which she lived a life of servant-leadership. Paul Marano, Alice’s husband sang Amazing Grace. The luncheon which followed included a menu from a plethora of Troy restaurants. Margaret Stoner spoke of her work with the ICA and Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM).
I got to spend time with Ken, Alice, David and families at the service and luncheon. Dick and I visited Dorcas and Ken several times during her final, difficult years. I often telephoned Dorcas to reminisce about our adventures and friendship over many years. What a woman, what a colleague. Love to all, God’s Grace and Peace,
~~ Ellen Howe
We were so sorry to hear of Dorcas’ passing. We had the privilege of working with Dorcas and Ken through our Area New York events. For many years, we all participated in our Spring and Fall retreats throughout the area. Dorcas and Ken were faithful and deliberate colleagues that we came to rely on. On one of our visits to Troy, we can remember the love and care they showed for their beloved community when they took us on a walking tour of their neighborhood. They pointed out the special landmarks that they were proud of. One was the freshly painted mural of African American heroes. For many years, the Roses and Howies, along with the Ulangcas, were always finding new ways to accomplish the mission. We send Alice and David and their families our deepest sympathy. Love to all,
~~ Jack and Louise Ballard
Ellie and I worked with Dorcas and husband Ken Rose in the former Rochester Region from 1969 to 1975 in the Local Church Experiment of the Institute. We were on the staff under senior pastor Charles Taylor at the Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. Ken and Dorcas went on the Rochester Region Global Odyssey in 1974 and joined us for the 30th reunion of the Odyssey in 2004. The Roses spent their lives in Troy, NY working on church and community development and renewal. Dorcas was an intelligent, compassionate and faithful colleague and leader with Ken in the region for many years. She maintained her passion for the mission for as long as she lived, even in the midst of difficult health issues later in life. We celebrate her life and mourn her passing!
~~ Carleton Stock, St. Louis, MO
I joined Dorcas and family as part of the Albany Religious House back in 1976 and found Dorcas rock solid as a colleague, a member of the Order, always intensely motivated and was such a strong spirit she challenged others by her presence and action to aspire to a higher level. All I can say is Thanks, Dorcas for your great contribution and many acts of service.
