Elinor McKim Rosen
June 17, 1937 ~ October 27, 2021
Elinor McKim Rosen
June 17, 1937 - October 27, 2021
Elinor McKim Rosen died peacefully at home on October 27, 2021 at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her sons, Tom, Erik (Melissa), Jim (Melissa), and her granddaughters Becky, Emma, Veronika, and Clarissa.
Ellie lived a long and rich life with a broad and multicolored palette of experiences shaping her into the thoughtful and kind, lively and humorous person who so often elicited in others the phrase, “She is such a sweet lady!”
Ellie was the beloved, one-and-only child of Howard and Dorothy McKim. Born in New Jersey on June 17, 1937, and having spent her early developing years in various towns and cities here in the US and abroad in Europe, she would meet Dan Rosen, the man who became her husband of 54 years...and they would raise four boys!
She was the one to confide in. She treated each of her boys in accordance with his individual nature, not showing favoritism, treating each as though he were her one and only. For example, it was not a rare occasion when she would cook different dishes according to differing tastes and serve them up at supper time! Nor was it rare to hear the Rosen family at dinner time, laughing and telling stories. Yes, Ellie gave humor and stories to all.
There are the stories of her rich past, like her sudden immersion in the French language when, at 13 years of age she and her parents moved to Belgium. There, she would become fluent in French and learn from her teachers and classmates about significant times during the then-recently-ended Second World War. There are stories of her childhood elementary school years when, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she and all the other students would walk barefoot in the scorching heat and remain barefoot throughout the school day. Surely her family and friends were enriched by the stories she told.
Ellie was not only a devoted mother but a devoted and loving wife. This was starkly demonstrated as she cared for Dan during the last months of his life. As his state of health deteriorated, she sacrificed her time and energy to be with him at all times and all places, attending to his every need.
There were those times when Ellie labored greatly, raising her sons and attending to their needs. Her youngest son, John, was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and so was in need of extra care. Ellie could tell stories of countless drives into the heart of the city of Washington DC, to take John to the Children’s Hospital where he endured many operations. Due very much to her care and attention, John was able to live a strong and vigorous life. John, who died almost suddenly at the Fairfax Hospital and whose gravestone bears the phrase, “He knew no strangers” inherited his mother’s gift for spreading humor and light in conversation with just about anyone.
AND she was a much beloved and devoted grandmother, doting on her granddaughters, babysitting, often driving them to their appointments and activities, and being a most appreciative audience to them.
Ellie will be missed by everyone who knew her. The life she so freely shared, in the form of services provided to those in her care to the humor in stories that poured out of her on so many occasions, goes on in those of us who were privileged to know her and love her. Yes, Ellie (aka “Tiny Cub” as she was called when she was a little girl) laughed a lot and sprinkled her lively conversation with wit and charm. In the past few months, her surviving family members have been hearing from old friends of hers saying that she was “always so funny!”
A private family-only memorial service will be live-streamed from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna, VA on Saturday, November 20 at 11:00 am. You can tune in at www.elcvienna.org or https://youtube.com/user/ELCVienna. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042. Friends are invited to view and sign the family guestbook at www.moneyandking.com
June 17, 1937 - October 27, 2021
Elinor McKim Rosen died peacefully at home on October 27, 2021 at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her sons, Tom, Erik (Melissa), Jim (Melissa), and her granddaughters Becky, Emma, Veronika, and Clarissa.
Ellie lived a long and rich life with a broad and multicolored palette of experiences shaping her into the thoughtful and kind, lively and humorous person who so often elicited in others the phrase, “She is such a sweet lady!”
Ellie was the beloved, one-and-only child of Howard and Dorothy McKim. Born in New Jersey on June 17, 1937, and having spent her early developing years in various towns and cities here in the US and abroad in Europe, she would meet Dan Rosen, the man who became her husband of 54 years...and they would raise four boys!
She was the one to confide in. She treated each of her boys in accordance with his individual nature, not showing favoritism, treating each as though he were her one and only. For example, it was not a rare occasion when she would cook different dishes according to differing tastes and serve them up at supper time! Nor was it rare to hear the Rosen family at dinner time, laughing and telling stories. Yes, Ellie gave humor and stories to all.
There are the stories of her rich past, like her sudden immersion in the French language when, at 13 years of age she and her parents moved to Belgium. There, she would become fluent in French and learn from her teachers and classmates about significant times during the then-recently-ended Second World War. There are stories of her childhood elementary school years when, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she and all the other students would walk barefoot in the scorching heat and remain barefoot throughout the school day. Surely her family and friends were enriched by the stories she told.
Ellie was not only a devoted mother but a devoted and loving wife. This was starkly demonstrated as she cared for Dan during the last months of his life. As his state of health deteriorated, she sacrificed her time and energy to be with him at all times and all places, attending to his every need.
There were those times when Ellie labored greatly, raising her sons and attending to their needs. Her youngest son, John, was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and so was in need of extra care. Ellie could tell stories of countless drives into the heart of the city of Washington DC, to take John to the Children’s Hospital where he endured many operations. Due very much to her care and attention, John was able to live a strong and vigorous life. John, who died almost suddenly at the Fairfax Hospital and whose gravestone bears the phrase, “He knew no strangers” inherited his mother’s gift for spreading humor and light in conversation with just about anyone.
AND she was a much beloved and devoted grandmother, doting on her granddaughters, babysitting, often driving them to their appointments and activities, and being a most appreciative audience to them.
Ellie will be missed by everyone who knew her. The life she so freely shared, in the form of services provided to those in her care to the humor in stories that poured out of her on so many occasions, goes on in those of us who were privileged to know her and love her. Yes, Ellie (aka “Tiny Cub” as she was called when she was a little girl) laughed a lot and sprinkled her lively conversation with wit and charm. In the past few months, her surviving family members have been hearing from old friends of hers saying that she was “always so funny!”
A private family-only memorial service will be live-streamed from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna, VA on Saturday, November 20 at 11:00 am. You can tune in at www.elcvienna.org or https://youtube.com/user/ELCVienna. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042. Friends are invited to view and sign the family guestbook at www.moneyandking.com
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The family-developed tribute here captures Ellie perfectly. We go back more than 50 years with Ellie and Dan to Arlington Forest, where we all were busy young parents. She was way too special to let go of, so when our paths took us separate ways, we stayed in touch all these years. She was a storehouse of solid info on a great variety of topics. We often sought her out. She will be greatly missed. Phyllis and Bruce Powers
Ellie and Dan…warm, friendly, caring, and inviting. Two of the loveliest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
The Rosen family was a big part of my childhood in Arlington Forest before they moved to Vienna. Ellie gave me my first babysitting job, which was taking Jimmy for a walk around the block in his stroller. I got a quarter!
Ellie’s humor, warmth and friendship brightened my day whenever I was with her. She had a beaming smile, an infectious laugh and a sly eye roll that she used with comedic timing. She could draw you in to her stories and make you feel like you were her special confidante when she told them. I remember standing in the ocean next to her several years ago while she told stories of past travels. Periodically we’d be interrupted by a “big wave” coming that scared both of us-but when it went by she’d take up the story where she’d left off. Ellie always led with her heart and was never afraid to show it. She’d shown her compassion in the days after my greatest loss and graciously allowed me to be in her company in the days following one of hers. I loved discovering her competitive spirit recently as we were able on different occasions to play ping pong together. I could see the intense look in her eyes as she played the angles and laughed how familiar that look was- we both play to win! I will miss Ellie immeasurably. She truly lived, laughed and loved and I am grateful to have known her. My heart goes out to all her family and those that knew and loved Ellie. Tracey Moran
I have fond memories of working with Ellie in the preschool and church at Emmanuel Lutheran. Our daughters too were lucky to have her as one of their teachers. Ellie’s sense of humor, calm manner, super big heart, and ability to connect with others young and old made her an unforgettable person in our lives. It was a joy knowing her and her wonderful family as well. The world was a better place with Ellie in it. Sue Pegnato
Ellie introduced herself to me over the back fence of our home in Arlington Forest. We discovered our husbands were from Western Iowa in towns not far apart. Ellie was gentle, loving, and interested in everyone. She had many interests and enjoyed mystery books: a love fostered by her father. She and Dan raised their children in a Christian family with strong values. I will miss her so much and am privileged to have been her friend.
I always remember my Aunt Ellie as a warm, caring and thoughtful person. As busy as she was, and even though we lived far apart, she always remembered our birthdays with a card and a personal note. I always looked forward to our visits to the Rosens in Vienna, and her good humor and hospitality. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom, Erik and Jim and their families as we mourn her passing.