Memorial Wall of Honor - RoseAnn Gillespie

 
RoseAnn Gillespie 

September 4, 1964 – April 29, 2019

RoseAnn Gillespie was born in Ware, Massachusetts on September 4, 1964. She served honorably in the United States Navy for 20 years (1982-2002) as an Aerographer, 1st Mate. She was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals and was twice named Sailor of the Year during her years of military service. In addition to her duties regarding weather systems interpretation, she also was responsible for flight briefings, leadership training and quality control activities.

In 2002, upon her retirement from the military, she began her matriculation through Veterinary Technology program at Fort Valley State University, graduating in 2006, Magna Cum Laude. She was the recipient of several awards, including the Hartz Mountain Scholarship and the Georgia Medical Association Auxiliary Scholarship, during her studies.

After becoming licensed in the State of Georgia, she went on to work for several years at her alma mater as a Research Technician at the University's Aquaculture Center. She received her Masters Degree in Animal Science in 2008. In 2013, she transferred to the Department of Veterinary Science to assume the role of Lead Veterinary Technician, a role which she held until her death in 2019. It was during her time served as Lead Veterinary Technician that she developed a love of laboratory animal medicine.

RoseAnn was also a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, of which she was active in the Arts and Science Guild as a member and frequently an instructor, and was a prolific painter and seamstress. She taught many of her friends and fellow Guild members the art of painting scrolls, utilizing both commercial and home-made water colors as a means of staying true to pre-1700 artisan skills. As a seamstress, her talents knew no bounds.

RoseAnn was elected to serve as President of the Southeast AALAS Branch in 2019 - a post that she was extremely proud of and was looking forward  to bringing her unique style of leadership to. Sadly, she passed away before her term commenced. She is survived by her husband, her father, and one sister. RoseAnn will be forever missed, and it is an honor that she is part of the AALAS Foundation Memorial Wall.

Give in memory of RoseAnn Gillespie and help keep her passion alive through the AALAS Foundation.   

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