Rosina Heywood

Rosina Eleanora Heywood, beloved sister, aunt, respected educator and equestrian, coach and mentor to many, passed away Sept. 18, after a 2-year bout with cancer. She faced this challenge head on without complaint, like everything else in her life. Known affectionately as "Sis" to her family and friends, and Rosina to her colleagues, she was born Jan. 29, 1939, in Chattanooga to Humphrey and Rosina Costa Heywood. Her love of all things equine was fostered while growing up at Baylor School and over summers at Camp Skyline, where she also met lifelong “Mountie” friends. After graduating from Chattanooga “City” High School, where she was All-City in basketball, she completed her undergraduate degree at Emory University, followed by a Masters in counseling at the University of Chattanooga and began a long teaching and counseling career in the Chattanooga Public Schools. Rosina never accepted things at face value, always looking for the “why or why nots” and the validity of doing certain things – why not have long blocks of time for classes? Why not put every child in 8th grade in Algebra I, but provide the support to be successful? After retirement, she returned to Howard School of Academics and Technology to mentor and teach over aged and under credited students to secure their high school diploma. She loved the difficult and troubled students and she stood up for them, all the while holding the students accountable for their actions. Kids were drawn to her like a magnet because she believed in them and made them believe in themselves. Rosina constantly thought of ways to work with kids in order to keep them in school, supporting them behaviorally and academically. Never afraid of a challenge, and always able to find the humor, as Rosina, she cherished her educator friends who shared her desire to affect change, as well as a love of literature and laughing. This was fully realized in their book, movie and supper club gatherings. She loved a good challenge, great books, good movies, a strong cocktail, and spirited conversation. She shared her dedication to teaching equally with her passion for horses and riding. She always owned a horse or two, won the 1976 Hunter Class National Championship and during retirement she show jumped her beloved Schultz. Sis was never happier than when riding around the show grounds on her golf cart with her dogs, known as the "girls". She enjoyed many happy times in her community of fellow equestrians especially her protege Chloe who meant so much to her. Sis will always be remembered with love and affection by her brothers, Dr. Barry Heywood (Joan), of Chattanooga and Anthony Heywood, of Civita in Umbria, and her sisters, Nell Bolen (Willis, Va.) and Mary Pace (Dick), of Greenwich, Conn. She enjoyed a special bond with her nieces, Johanna Heywood, Margaret Bolen (Mike and Thomas) and Rosina Bolen (Aaron); her nephews and their families Barrett Heywood (Barb, Logan, Andrew, and Beckett), Robert Heywood (Alice, Addison and Virginia), Richard Pace (Kate, Ryder and Greyson), and Greg Pace (Jenn and Reagan) As an aunt, she was our ever available editor of last minute papers; most dependable grammar check, always willing pet sitter, and faithful birthday wisher. She will remain in all of our hearts. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Skyline, The Skyline Foundation, P.O. Box 287, Mentone, AL 35984 or the Humane Education Society, 212 N Highland Park Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.