To A-DOG members and other supporters, it
is with great sadness we announce that Roslyn Smith, A-DOG founder and longtime board member, passed away Saturday morning after a year long courageous battle with cancer and hospitalization since mid April. Her mother Ann has been staying by her side and was joined by Roslyn's sister Sharon for the last couple of weeks. Ann felt Roslyn had been very much at peace these last few days and that last morning even smiled. Her suffering is now over. Roslyn was surrounded by love and support.
Roslyn, along with Ann, was a founder of A-DOG and served on the board for all 9 years that A-DOG has existed. Roslyn's many contributions included setting up and maintaining all the records and communication channels for our hundreds of members, a crucial role for our growing organization. Those friendly emails signed "A-DOG Membership" came from Roslyn or Ann! Roslyn especially loved participating in the Patriots Day Parade, hosting our Membership Wine Tasting Celebration and organizing and manning our Town Day booth, as well as her many other contributions to A-DOG activities and initiatives.
Roslyn painting her beloved Pepe at A-DOG's artlounge "Paint Your Pet" fundraiser a few months ago.
To all who love our fenced dog park in Arlington, Roslyn really helped to make it possible. She was involved in advocating for a dog park for many years, before A-DOG was even created. (Roslyn and Ann dreamed of having a dog park at Hill's Hill, right next to their home.) In fact, Roslyn, whose parents Ann and Dick Smith were longtime Arlington Town Meeting members, wrote the Warrant Article that led to Town Meeting voting (2003/2004) to allow dog parks in Arlington.
A-DOG's Bark for Life Team in May was dedicated to Roslyn and, though she could not be there, she was honored at the event. From her hospital bed, Roslyn insisted that her mom, Ann, leave her side for a few hours to enjoy the march of human and canine friends to benefit the American Cancer Society. The A-DOG Bark for Life team, led by Joan, was the leading fundraiser, raising over $2000. Roslyn received souvenirs from the march, including a T shirt, and was thrilled that so many had come out to show their support for her. She chose the song "Let It Be" that was played at the march. In our next Wags and Tags issue, there will be photos from Roslyn's Bark for Life tribute.
Ann has lost her daughter, "sister" spirit and best friend. We will miss Roslyn, a special friend and kindred spirit, as well as her talents, sense of humor and love of adventure. Our hearts go out to her family and all who knew and loved Roslyn and whom were loved by her. The end of life as we know it does not mean the end of a relationship.
A message from Ann: "With great sadness in my heart, my sweet daughter and my best friend Roslyn lost her battle with cancer this morning. She passed away peacefully. She enjoyed life to the fullest enjoying being with her friends, scuba diving, fishing, camping and so many more activities and was one of the best bakers ever."
Ann deserves all the support that our caring A-DOG community can give her. Here are some ways that you can express your love and support:
- Visiting hours at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St, Arlington on Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 evenings, 5 to 8 PM. (Please note that the burial will be private, at a later date.)
- In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Roslyn can be made online here.
- If you'd like to contact Ann with a card or other supportive message, here is her information: 781-648-1816 (phone); [email protected]; 38 Washington Street, Arlington, MA 02474
Joan Black & Sue Doctrow
