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BORN
1965
DIED
2013
Elyssa Rosen Obituary
July 25, 1965
Known for her compassion, humor, and enduring spirit, life-long conservationist Elyssa Rosen of Reno, Nevada passed away suddenly on October 26, 2013 at the age of 48. She was involved in a SCUBA diving accident in the Tinderbox Marine Reserve off the coast of Tasmania, Australia where she was working to establish marine reserves in the Southern Oceans of Antarctica. Elyssa led a life dedicated to family and friends, and a career focused on securing historic land, natural resource, and marine protections, including an unrelenting pursuit to preserve the Great Basin.
Born to Elaine Marilyn Bauman and Martin Bernard Rosen in July of 1965 at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois, Elyssa's early life was spent in Chicago's western suburb of Oak Park. She was the middle of three daughters, and is the sister to Karen Rosen Thornburg and Lena Rosen Wegner.
She leaves many to carry on her work and spirit, and is survived by her fiancé, Matt Newberry of Reno, along with her mother and father, sisters, nephews and niece - Ben and Adrian Thornburg, Rosella and Noah Wegner and extended family.
To help those who might forward her environmental legacy, the Elyssa Rosen Memorial Mentoring Program fund has been established with the Society of Environmental Journalists. www.sejonline.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elyssa Rosen
paul oriatti
August 17, 2025
She was me.
When I knew of her death I felt I died.
Paul
July 17, 2025
She is my best friend.
Dorothy Kosich
December 17, 2013
I accidentally just learned of Elyssa's death tonight and was shocked to hear of her passing.
She probably accomplished more in a few short years than most of us do in a lifetime!
My deepest condolences to her fiance and her family for such a tragic loss.
Julie Sigunick
December 14, 2013
God bless beautiful Elyssa. May her memory always be a blessing. With love, Julie & Mark Sigunick and family
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Misty Young
November 30, 2013
I'm so sorry Elyssa. You were a bright shining light with a burning desire to make a difference. You did. I'm sad for your family and thankful for the light you shared and the life you lived. With great love, Misty Young
November 29, 2013
Offering sincere condolences. May your family find comfort in Psalm 65:2
November 29, 2013
My heart goes out to your family. May God lovingly comfort and strengthen you as you endure this most difficult time. Take courage in His promise of eternal life. My deepest sympathies.
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