To Stella’s family,
I barely know where to begin! We were friends a long time. We were both teachers in the Alum Rock School District in the 1980’s which is where we met and where we took a liking to each other. I found her to be open and honest as well as polite and professional. Later, after I became a professor at the National Hispanic University, I had a chance to bring her aboard as a student teacher supervisor while my department chair hired her as an instructor, so our friendship blossomed.
Stella was one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known with a wonderful personality and a courageous character; she also had a large heart and a generous soul. She loved and supported so many people—family, friends, students, colleagues, teachers—it’s impossible to say how far her compassion and good deeds extend.
She touched me deeply with her cards and gifts, her humor and insights. She was a good judge of character; she knew the difference between professional deportment and personal opinion. I think we were both “old school” in that sense, which is to treat everyone fairly even as you would want others to treat you: The Golden Rule.
I invited her to be a guest speaker for my American History class and of course she came and answered students’ questions and explained what life was like for her growing up in San Francisco. Later she shared with me a book she had made for her mom. When I retired in December 2012 she took photos and created a beautiful book of memories for me, too!
I will always treasure the last gift she gave me, a green and purple cap she knitted with her own hands and which I still wear whenever the weather gets chilly. And although Stella excelled at remembering special occasions and holidays with cards and gifts, it should be noted that Stella’s life and values ran far deeper. She was a proud Black woman without being arrogant; she knew about “opening doors” for others who would follow.
A woman of deep faith, she believed and practiced Dr. King’s dream that one day “his children would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. She always treated a person fairly, as Reverend King urged us all to do. Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Courage: these are the best human virtues and Stella had them all in abundance.
My heart is heavy and sad. There is a new pain that is difficult to bear but I am remembering all the good she did and trying to smile through the tears. I cannot write more.
I wish all of you to know how deeply I treasure her friendship!
May she rest in peace
Roger Rosenberg
March 10, 2014
