Priscilla "Polly" Rose

Polly Rose, born August 25, 1942, in Lynn Massachusetts to Freeman & Mildred Towers, died early dawn on January 14, 2025. She was at home and at peace.

 A woman of deep passion, engagement, and vivacity, Polly will be remembered as a “long time” Santa Fean (1966-2025). A fixture in our community as a supporter of education, independent expression, artistry and simplicity, she honored and respected the ancient ways of these lands and practices, and had deep moral fiber. 

 Polly’s years in Boston while a student at both BU and Emerson college, running the Unicorn Coffee House immersed in the Folk music scene and Civil Rights Movement, set her course in 1966 to come out west in her VW bus. 

 Landing in New Mexico she never looked back. 

 Here she met and married painter Ted Rose, and together they built by hand the adobe home in which they dwelled together until his death in 2002 at 410, Camino Don Miguel. 

 A force to be reckoned with, Polly’s passion and support in the community was palpable. Working with Dr. Weigle and Burch Ault at St. John’s College, Robert Brunn of The Brunn School, and most notably Terrific Typing, her editing business for hundreds of authors, students, businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Santa Fe, she was encircled by and supported so very many icons, writers, artists and pillars of our collective and gifted community. 

 Polly’s ability to bring inspiration to any conversation was a gift. While raising her two children, Jesse and Molly Rose, and running her own business, she also ran a cherished secret garden (adobe guest house) from 1978-2010, inviting global friends to her property, and coached multiple elementary and high school soccer teams while playing on her husband Ted ‘s team: Hod Carrier’s Ink. The lives and hearts she touched are now raising next generations here in Santa Fe. 

 Polly loved music and was a lifetime season ticket holder of Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe Symphony as well museum foundations and education outreach programs. She gave wholly her heart to so many small and independent northern New Mexico villages and artists. She solely saw to Ted Rose Studio and her husband’s international PR.

 She was unconventional and highly supportive of democratic principles, recognizing the relevance of civic engagement and critical thought as catalysts for empowerment in community and discourse. 

Polly is survived by her son Jesse Rose, daughter Molly Rose, brother Samuel Towers, longtime friend Antonio Chavez, and many beloveds in the Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico Community. 

 Rivera Family will be overseeing her cremation and arrangements. 

 Memorial Service Saturday February 1, 2025, Rivera Kiva Chapel Santa Fe 11AM to 1PM.