Deceased Members–2006

In Memory of Rosanne K. Smith

Rose Smith, FSA, passed away on September 18, 2006, after a five–year struggle with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. She died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her life partner, Leanne McFalls, a loving circle of friends and family and her beloved terriers, Gracie and Pogo.

An accomplished athlete, she excelled in field hockey, tennis and basketball at Cedar Crest High School graduating in 1973. She played field hockey for West Chester State College and was a starter on their national championship teams in 1975 and 1976. She scored the winning goal on a penalty stroke in the '76 championship game versus Ursinus College. She graduated summa cum laude and earned her degree in mathematics in 1977.

Smith's lifelong passion for bicycling began in her teenage years and continued all her life. Post graduation from West Chester, she, and several friends, completed a cross–country cycle tour across the United States. Following completion of the tour, Smith began her professional career as an actuarial student at Educator's Mutual Life. While she worked full time, she studied for and passed an arduous series of exams over a seven–year period that earned her the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries designation. She was very proud of this designation not only as a prestigious accomplishment, but also as just one of a handful of women with their FSA.

In 1990, after 13 years with Educator's, Smith left her job to pursue a life long dream. She and McFalls traveled for 18 months on a self supported bicycle odyssey around the world, beginning in Europe and North Africa and spending extensive time in Asia and Southeast Asia before finishing their journey in New Zealand and the United States.

Upon return, Smith was hired by Markley Actuarial Services, a retirement plan consulting firm in downtown Lancaster. She became a partner in the firm and later became the managing partner. She greatly enjoyed working with a talented and dedicated group of colleagues and the challenges of growing a small business amidst an ever changing marketplace suited Smith's passion for creative management and strategic planning.