Rose Michelle La Fond
December 18, 1991 – February 13, 2022
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” – Inuit Proverb
Rose Michelle La Fond (they/them) was born in Redmond, Washington, on December 18, 1991, to John and Rachel La Fond, joining older siblings Tim and Marie. Rose was a bright, loving, sensitive child who deeply cared about the world around them. Their radiant smile brightened any room that they entered. Rose loved animals, nature, music, art, and reading.
However, in high school, Rose’s growing concern about the suffering of others and their own declining health began to overwhelm them. After several years of taking college courses, their increasing battles with pain and depression eventually caused them to stop their formal education. But they had a great desire and capacity for knowledge about health, nutrition, and the environment that continued and that they loved sharing with family and friends. Life’s struggles became too much for Rose and they chose to leave this world on their own terms at their childhood home on February 13, 2022.
Until the very end, Rose was so appreciative of the tender care provided by Rachel. They left behind loving notes wanting to ease the shock and sadness of their passing. Although we have been shaken by the loss, our memories of our sweet Rose, whose heart was as “tender as a bunny’s”, are helping us mend our broken hearts. To quote Elizabeth Stone: “Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
Rose asked that we not focus on life “accomplishments” but on their heart and values. They left behind this list of what was important to them: “compassion, self-compassion, non-judgement, equal worth, mindfulness and focusing on needs, consent, peace and teamwork and non-violence, whole-food veganism, climate change and environmentalism and trees and ecosystems, access to safe contraception and abortion, anti-genderism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, restorative justice, (dis)ability equality, understanding and valuing ASD people, hope for global progress and healing, hope for soul progress and healing.” Rose’s unwavering dedication to these values enlightened us, enriched our lives, and shaped our hearts and minds.
These kind words and prayer shared by a friend describe Rose well:
“Rose was someone special. I always enjoyed my chance meetings with them at the market or on the trail. And then the walks we shared. We talked about nature, food, and family. Rose knew they were blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. Rose was so genuine, gentle, and compassionate in their concern for others. I remember feeling uplifted and energized from those times together, more focused on what truly matters. I will always be thankful to have known such a beautiful soul.
Dear God,
May this beautiful Rose be with you now.
May they be free from all that troubled them here on Earth, so that their gentleness, compassion, and love of all can shine forth there in heaven.
Give comfort and peace to their family and all who grieve for them.
Amen”
Rose was an activist at heart. In every aspect of their life, Rose was committed to life in this world – plants, animals, and people – and even in death, they wanted to make a positive impact on the planet. We honor them and their life most fully by similarly dedicating ourselves to these noble pursuits: championing the rights of all living things and opposing cruelty, oppression, exploitation, and complacency. We invite everyone to do as Rose did and combat the darkness of the world using activism, awareness, and giving.
Rose listed the following organizations should anyone wish to make a gift in their name:
National Wildlife Federation reforestation program: https://www.shopnwf.org/category/Shop-Cards-and-Gifts-Tree-Gifts-Trees-for-Wildlife
Climate Healers: https://climatehealers.org/contact-2/contact-us/
Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/
The Center for Nonviolent Communication: https://www.cnvc.org/
NET Mind Body: https://www.netmindbody.com/
