Rosalie Ann Kane Obituary (1940 - 2020)

Rosalie Ann Kane, PhD., 79, died in her home with her daughters at her side on May 5, 2020, following a brief battle with brain cancer. Rosalie was a professor of social work and public health for more than 45 years and spent more than three decades at the University of Minnesota where she worked up until the time of her death. A pioneer in her field, Rosalie’s academic work focused on case management, community-based care, and transforming long term care systems to be more person-centered. She was a relentless champion for the rights of seniors and adults with disabilities to self-advocate. Rosalie was a prolific author, unafraid to challenge established norms in her work. She truly cared about and listened to people’s stories, which animated her professional pursuits. Rosalie had a brilliant and creative intellect and she shared it generously with her students, colleagues, and friends. Rosalie was passionate in her commitments but not rigid in her thinking. Rosalie actively participated in many communities and causes. She was extremely proud of her Canadian heritage and remained connected to her Ottawa Valley roots despite living her adult life in the United States. She was an unapologetic feminist and progressive political activist. Growing up in an era when religious education was largely reserved for boys, Rosalie was bat-mitzvahed as an adult and her synagogue remained an important focal point of her intellectual and spiritual life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kane, parents Max and Pearl Smolkin, and brother, Robert Smolkin. She is survived by her three daughters: Miranda Kane (Patrick Robbins), Ingrid Kane Johnson (Gunnar Johnson), and Kate Kane (Joyce Mariano); her grandchildren: Kathleen, Devan, Mary, Conor, Ilsa, Lily, Olivia, and Emilia, who were the source of Rosalie’s purest joy and whose diverse interests and talents she enthusiastically supported. She is also remembered by her brother, David (Tova) Smolkin; sisters-in-law, Sheila Smolkin and Candy West (Dan); and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues. Funeral services will be hosted virtually by ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION on FRIDAY, May 8th at 10:00 a.m. Go to Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82827713288. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, consider a donation in Rosalie’s memory to the Robert L. and Rosalie A. Kane Scholarship Fund at the Minnesota Gerontological Society https://www.mngero.org/, Planned Parenthood, Southern Poverty Law Center or any organization that advances social justice. A virtual SHIVA will be Sunday 6:30 pm via the same Zoom link as for the funeral.