Our Story
About the Foundation
Created in loving memory of Heather Rose — teacher, reader, and passionate thinker.
Heather Rose
1973 – 2023
Her Story
A Life Devoted to Words, Students, and the Things She Loved
Heather Rose was a lifelong lover of literature and a dedicated teacher of literature and poetry. She brought warmth, passion, and an infectious enthusiasm for the written word to every classroom she entered — most notably at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she taught for many years.
Beyond the classroom, Heather was an avid reader and a devoted animal lover. She cared deeply about the people in her life and the causes she believed in, giving generously of her time, her heart, and her spirit.
In 2023, Heather lost her battle with cancer at the age of 49. Her passing left a profound void in the lives of her family, her students, her colleagues, and the many communities she had touched.
A word after a word after a word is power.
— Margaret Atwood
How We Began
Born from Grief, Built with Love
In the wake of Heather's passing, her husband Richard — with the unwavering support of both families and countless friends — searched for a way to honor her memory and keep her spirit alive.
The Scholarship
It began with a scholarship established in Heather's name at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts — the school where she gave so much of herself. Each year, a student with a passion for literature and poetry is awarded this scholarship in her honor.
The Foundation
That single act of remembrance grew into something larger. The Heather Rose Foundation was created to fund the scholarship annually and to support other causes close to Heather's heart — the arts, animals, and the communities she loved.
Her Legacy
We are deeply proud to keep Heather's memory alive through the work this foundation does. We believe she would be proud. We invite you to join us in honoring her by supporting the causes she cared about most.
Help Keep Heather's Legacy Alive
Please join us in honoring Heather by donating today. Every contribution — large or small — helps fund the scholarship in her name and supports the charities she was passionate about. Thank you so much for your continued support.