Rose Mary Kaufman

RoseMarie "Rose Mary – Rosie" Valente Kaufman was born in Pueblo, CO July 10, 1935 and passed away on March 21, 2021. She was a '53 graduate of Central High School with emphasis in creative writing, violin, pep club, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. She was awarded a writing scholarship to CSC now UNC to study elementary education. Graduating with honors in '57 she began her teaching career in Arvada, then Pueblo and then Boulder to be closer to her soon-to-be husband, Dr. Thomas A. Kaufman. Rose Mary and Tom were married in 1962. They had three boys: Gregory Thomas, Matthew Edward, and Scott Anthony. She was a stay-at-home mom until resuming her 20-year teaching career at Bauder Elementary in Fort Collins in '73. Loving everything and everyone connected with education, she was Honorably initiated in Phi Delta Kappa, was Honorably Designated Colorado Teacher of the Year, received the Colorado Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Colorado Senate Distinguished Teacher Award. Upon retirement from Poudre School District, Rose Mary was hired by UNC to supervise student teachers. After that, she and Tom farmed in Windsor and began a greenhouse business, opened the Bonnie Rose Antiques and Book Store for Children, and established Kaufman's Confectionary, an olde chocolate and ice cream shoppe. Later on, Rose Mary became totally involved with her grandchildren and their activities and writing in her journals while preparing meals for friends in need and the homeless at the Catholic Mission. She was nicknamed Meals on Wheels. She always remained a devoted Broncos and Rockies fan. Rose Mary mainly enjoyed trips with Tom to the ocean. She was ever the teacher regarding schools, cooking, good books. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Dr. Tom; sons, Gregory and his wife Dr. Gail, Matthew and his wife Cindy, Scott and his wife Jennifer; 4 grandchildren: MacKinzie, Mason, Harrison, and Zachary. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John Valente. Rose Mary was a wonderfully, busy lady who was appreciated, loved, and respected by all who knew her. She was the warm, tender, intelligent and nurturing matriarch of the Kaufman Family. Services are pending.