Rose's Page

Rose T. Coppinger

January 20, 1929 – August 17, 2005

If I told you today a woman raising 9 kids, working full time, participating on local boards, was very active in the community, you would want to meet her. This was Rose’s training grounds and the lessons she learned. Like staying positive in the face of adversity earned her as she would say “Her degree at HKU”. Hard knocks University. I always said she could and she did!

Rose was the greatest advocate for those in need. She would unselfishly put herself on the line for a just cause. As her mother taught her to always look at people with “fresh eyes” and not what you’ve heard form others whether by word (written or spoken). She had the instinctive ability to see the person in everyone. She got people out of Danvers State Hospital, some who had not been off the grounds, in some cases, up to 40 years. When working to find them homes in the community, she recognized their isolation and lack of connection to the Community. So she founded the Point After Club to give them a place to belong, to make friends, to be accepted. She was their voice when they couldn't’t speak. Rose didn't’t need a pedestal and saw all people as equals. She had a way of making those who felt lesser to feel better about themselves and to pull down from the pedestal those who were too full of themselves.

Titles never impressed her. She always said “If you want to work with people, you need to earn your degree doing Direct Care. Not in a classroom or an office. She was once at a meeting where attendance was kept. She saw after peoples names MD, PHD, LSW. When the moderator saw VNP after Rose’s name he asked her what does that mean? She spoke without hesitation and said “Very Nice Person”.

Rose never took advantage of anyone in her life. But God forbid if she knew that you were taking advantage of others. No matter who you were. You would have her wrath. She saw needs in the Community and took action. Her voice was heard and she was directly involved in many projects that have become long standing resources in our community. Like Lazarus House, Daybreak Shelter and Neighbors in Need.

But her pride and joy was the Point After Club. The Point After Club was her foundation to complete her mission. The people she gave her heart and soul to were the members of the Point After Club and later the Haverhill Clubhouse. We were honored and privileged to work alongside her with the fearless leadership and energy; she mentored many current leaders to “Do the Right Thing.”

A week before Rose died, she heard that two members were planning to go to the City Hall to see what kind of tribute they would give Rose. Now that her voice is silent the members were confidently speaking for her. Rose left knowing she had accomplished her mission. What a gift this was as a tribute to her legacy. Her career has come full circle.