­­­Gonzaga University Remembers Lacey Jo as a ‘Rose for Many People’

Students read poetry and planted vibrant red, yellow, pink and orange flowers in the rose garden, located near the Student Lounge of the Jepson Center. Photo by Jennifer Raudebaugh.

By Megan Hervey
Class of 2011

The Gonzaga University community bid a fond and tearful adieu to Lacey Jo Rosenbaum in a campus memorial service April 28 attended by her family, friends and faculty. Students and faculty remembered the senior as they blessed and dedicated a rose garden planted in her honor.

Lacey Jo Rosenbaum. Photo by After Image courtesy The Gonzaga Bulletin

Lacey Jo, who earned a business degree that was accepted by her parents at commencement, passed away March 30 of heart failure related to a dislodged blood clot, the unknown result of a recent knee surgery. Her degree was presented to her parents, Keith and Linda Rosenbaum, at the May 9 commencement ceremony.

Her classmates and friends held roses with cards that read, “Smile More.” Each card contained one stanza of her favorite poem, “I Believe.” Students read their poetry as they planted vibrant red, yellow, pink and orange flowers in the rose garden, located near the Student Lounge of the Jepson Center for the School of Business Administration.

Father Stephen Hess, S.J., interim vice president for mission, said Lacey Jo was “a rose for many people, as she brought great life and great happiness.” The rose garden will remind the Gonzaga community of her vibrant spirit and personality, he added.

Fr. Hess joined with Lacey Jo’s parents, friends and faculty to bless the rose garden, sprinkling the ground with Holy Water. Fr. Hess said the rose garden will bring beauty to campus and remind us forever more of Lacey Jo’s beauty.