Senate Resolution No. 1401
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Dr. Marian Rose,
distinguished scientist, environmental advocate, and
devoted citizen of the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. Marian Rose of Bedford, New
York, who died on August 20, 2025, at the age of 104, after a lifetime
of extraordinary service to science, environmental protection, and the
betterment of society; and
WHEREAS, Born Marian Heineman on October 11, 1920, in Brussels,
Belgium, to American parents, Dr. Rose lived a life defined by
intellectual rigor, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to
justice and environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, A resident of the Town of Bedford since 1973, Dr. Marian
Rose was a pioneering physicist whose academic achievements were
remarkable, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College, a Master of
Arts from Columbia University, and a doctorate from Harvard University
by 1947, at a time when women were significantly underrepresented in the
sciences; and
WHEREAS, Her early scientific career included classified research
related to uranium isotope separation during World War II and later
groundbreaking theoretical work on satellite drag in the upper
atmosphere, as well as decades of advanced research in magnetically
confined hydrogen fusion, contributing to the pursuit of clean and
potentially limitless energy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marian Rose served with distinction as a teaching
fellow at Harvard University, a physicist and senior research scientist
at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University
for two decades, and later as a visiting fellow at Yale University,
earning widespread respect for her intellect, mentorship, and scientific
insight; and
WHEREAS, In her retirement, Dr. Marian Rose brought her scientific
expertise and ethical conviction to environmental advocacy, becoming a
tireless leader in the protection of water resources, wetlands, forests,
and communities throughout the Hudson Valley and New York State; and
WHEREAS, She founded the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition in
1997, later expanded to protect watersheds statewide, guiding it into a
highly effective alliance of dozens of organizations that successfully
advanced stronger protections for critical water resources, wetlands,
and forests, and opposed environmentally harmful development and fossil
fuel infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Through her leadership, advocacy, and legal strategy, Dr.
Marian Rose helped secure heightened regulatory protections for
watershed lands, safeguarded New York State waters and forests from gas
drilling and pipeline threats, and championed environmental justice by
emphasizing prevention of pollution over costly and inequitable
remediation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marian Rose also served her community through numerous
advisory and leadership roles on conservation boards, wetlands
commissions, and regional environmental committees, where her integrity,
clarity of purpose, and scientific grounding guided public
decision-making; and
WHEREAS, Guided by a lifelong opposition to authoritarianism and
environmental exploitation, Dr. Marian Rose remained actively engaged in
civic life well into her later years, standing consistently for
democratic values, human rights, and the protection of future
generations; and
WHEREAS, A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,
Dr. Marian Rose raised a family deeply committed to carrying forward
her values, and she established the Rose Family Foundation to support
environmental causes, a mission that continues through her children and
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, the Town
of Bedford proclaimed October 11, 2020, as Marian Rose Day, honoring her
century of life and her legendary dedication to environmental protection
and public service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marian Rose leaves behind a legacy of scientific
excellence, principled activism, and enduring impact on the
environmental health of New York State, inspiring generations to act
with knowledge, courage, and compassion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. Marian Rose, and to honor her life, achievements,
and steadfast commitment to the people, communities, and natural
resources of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Marian Rose.
