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Rosalind Toy Johnson McGee

1937 - 2015

Rosalind Toy Johnson McGee obituary, 1937-2015, Chapel Hill, NC

Rosalind McGee Obituary

Rosalind (Roz) Toy Johnson McGee was born in Chapel Hill; her parents were Cecil and Lucia Johnson. She is survived by her husband Zell A McGee, M.D., and her sister Lucia Johnson Rather of Chestertown, MD and her daughters Laura McGee, Bowling Green, KY and Alexandra McGee, Charlottesville, VA and her son Scott and his wife Diane of Jackson WY and granddaughters Clara and Lucia.
Roz and Zell were married in 1961, and she was an activist in the several communities in which they lived. In Nashville, TN she served as President of the League of Women Voters. While living in Salt Lake City, she served on the national boards of the League of Women Voters, the National Association of Child Advocates, the Urban Libraries Council, and Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu, NM). She was Executive Director of Voices for Utah Children, 1988-2001, guiding that organization in efforts to influence public policy in the interest of children, especially children living in low-income families. She also served on numerous boards, including Planned Parenthood of Utah, and was named to various task forces that recommended legislation and/or policy changes.
Upon retirement she ran for and was elected to three terms in the Utah House of Representatives, serving from 2003 to 2008 and for one term in House Democratic Leadership. She and Zell moved to Carol Woods Retirement Community in 2009 where she was elected as President of the Residents Association, 2013-14.
Over the years she was recognized often for community service, but her favorite award was the "Utah Issues 1991 Hell Raiser of the Year Award for Leading the Charge for Children in Utah." She attended Agnes Scott College and graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1959. Upon graduation she was employed in the Trust Department of banks in Richmond, VA, New York City, and Washington, DC. In 1988 she returned to the classroom and secured a Masters in Public Administration, studying almost entirely "events that occurred or theories developed" since her college graduation 30 years earlier.
She is also remembered fondly by friends around the country. Her generous hospitality, her quick wit, her clear ethics, and work for the social good are only a few of the qualities we appreciate. We are grateful for her love and care.
A Memorial Service will be held at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill at 3 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2015.
She requested that contributions in her memory may be made to Ghost Ranch (a Presbyterian Conference Center), HC/77Box 11, Abiquiu, NM 87510; Voices for Utah Children, 747 E. South Temple, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84102-1221; or Carol Woods Charitable Fund, 750 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Jun. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosalind McGee

Not sure what to say?





Nina Grewal

March 21, 2024

Dear Dr. McGee,
I´m so sorry for the loss of your wife.
Sincerely,
Nina Grewal

Heike Armbrust

June 13, 2023

Ross has never been forgotten. In the short time I have known her she has meant a lot to me and I´m grateful we were allowed to cross each other´s way.

Kim Williford

July 15, 2015

It was in my first photography class at Ghost Ranch with Zell and later had a couple classes with Roz. She was a sweet, soft spoken lady whom I enjoyed being in class with. It breaks my heart to hear that she is gone, I'm so very sorry and sad for all of your family. You have been in our prayers, Kim and Mark Williford

July 7, 2015

Roz was such a wonderful role model for women in the church and in the community. During the years we shared as members of Wasatch Presbyterian Church, she continually inspired me to not remain on the sidelines and criticize social or political policy, but to act for the changes that I wanted. She had determination and grace. I still hope that someday I may yet be more like her. Jo Carol Nesset-Sale, Athens, GA.

June 23, 2015

Dear Zell and family,

Roz left her mark on so many places and in so many ways. She will be missed greatly by those of us who had the opportunity to share part of her life.

My Aloha to you and the family.

Pat Shutt

June 22, 2015

For six months Roz shared her story through Emails with a group of former League of Women Voter colleagues. We all benefited and were inspired by her calm, no nonsense updates. Zell, I am thinking about you and wish you the best. Merilyn Reeves, Amity Oregon former LWVUS Colleague.

June 22, 2015

Roz was a mentor and dear friend to me as we served side by side in the Utah Legislature. She was the epitome of stateswomanship. Firm but kind, she left an exemplary mark on her friends and associates in Utah. Utah is a better place for having known her and Zell. My thoughts and prayers are with Zell and the rest of the family. Rest in peace, Roz. Patricia Jones

Carol romney Larsen

June 21, 2015

My mother, Veda Romney, worked along side Roz for many years at Utah children's. She so admired Roz and talks of her often. She is sadden by her passing. She just wanted the family to know how much she enjoyed being her friend

John and Jan Gisler

June 20, 2015

Dear Zell, Laura, Alexandra and Scott, our hearts are broken to learn that Roz has died. Your grief is so much greater than ours. Zell, we are grateful for the precious times we had together with you and Roz. John is indebted to Roz for her inspiration and leadership on behalf of Utah Children. We still have your photograph of the lovely "Datura", Zell. It is placed on the wall of our home in Washington state. You and Roz have always remained with us.

Mary K Hammond

June 20, 2015

Dear Family

I had the privilege of working with Roz at the Capitol as a PTA lobbyist and working with her with Utah Issues and Utah Children! She was a wise, compassionate, strong advocate for what is good and great in humanity. She set a good example of being strong, but being kind and tactful. She taught me a lot about being a good human being.

She and I both ran for the Legislature at the same time. We were proud to be "damn" Democrats! Loved her!

With love and sympathy and my prayers,

Mary Hammond
West Jordan, Utah

Cece Holt

June 20, 2015

Remember Roz from "Marsha's aerobics class", I even inherited her equipment bag so think of her each time I pull it out. Cece Holt

Heather Hayes

June 20, 2015

Zell, I am saddened to hear of the loss of Roz. I am saddened also that you are alone. I think of your wonderful spirit often. Peace, Heather Hayes

Elise and Jerry. Lazar

June 20, 2015

It was so hard saying goodbye when Roz left Salt Lake. She was a voice of reason for all things good. Now, to learn of this leaving is even more difficult. Such a loss. Our condolences to Zell.
Elise and Jerry Lazar

June 19, 2015

Roz was a nationally respected child advocate. She was and is considered to be an aspirational model for all of her peers. I am proud to have known her.
I was surprised at her actual age. She looked 20 years or more younger. And I wish we had at least 20 more years of her among us. I trust and hope she is smiling at that sentiment in heaven. And if she is not there, not very many of us have a chance.
Bob Fellmeth, Children's Advocacy Institute

Mike Shipler

June 19, 2015

Zel, I am very saddened to hear of Roz's Passing. May God and our Savior Jesus Christ be with you at this time of sorrow.
Mike Shipler

David Mathews

June 19, 2015

May this angel rest in eternal peace.

susan kuziak

June 19, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Roz's death. She was such a wonderful, accomplished person and the greatest advocate for those who need it most. It's a poorer world without her.

Mary DuBard

June 19, 2015

What a joy to have known Roz since Agnes Scott years. She was a much-admired friend and one who worked her entire life to make the world a better and more just place. I'm so glad we could reconnect when you got back to NC, Zell. Love to you and all the family, Mary Clayto

Holly Mullen

June 19, 2015

We have thought fondly of Roz and Zell often since they moved to N.C. We are sorry to learn of Roz's passing. She was our dedicated state representative and we'll always remember her hard work as the primary sponsor of Utah's "3-foot law" to permit a safety barrier for road cyclists sharing streets with vehicles. She was so tough, and the law is now firmly in place 10 years later. So many thanks to this strong, compassionate woman. We wish the McGee family peace and comfort.

Holly Mullen and Ted Wilson

Blanche Nichols

June 19, 2015

Roz has been my dear friend for more than 60 years. It was such fun to be her roommate at Agnes Scott, but she was much more than fun! Her strong character and discipline made a lasting impression on me, and I will continue to cherish our memories. My warmest love goes out to you, Lucia and Zell, and to all your family.

Elaine emmi

June 19, 2015

Farewell Roz. I'm so glad you were part of my life. Love and light to family and friends.

June 18, 2015

She left her mark in the best ways; if you ever wondered which was the right way to make an ethical decision, you could follow her lead. My condolences to Zell, family and other friends.
Linda Griffen

June 18, 2015

For Zell and family. I am so sorry for your loss. she was a great lady.
Leora Hewitt

Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks

June 18, 2015

McGees,
Praying for you as you grieve the physical loss of Roz. I am thankful for the many ways her legacy is very much alive in all of you and in all she encountered. I am sure he slice of heaven must resemble the surroundings of Ghost Ranch!

Dot Ridings

June 18, 2015

Roz was unparalleled as a leader in the League of Women Voters. We learned so much from her! She leaves a huge legacy through her activism.

Amy Gale

June 18, 2015

Dear Zell,

My heartfelt condolences to you and your children. Roz was such a gem, and both of you were always so good to me. I'm so sorry I did not get to say goodbye. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

June 18, 2015

My prayers are with Roz's family. She was so much more than a boss. She was my friend, my mentor, and my teacher. She will be missed and her family will be in my prayers.

Toni Marie Sutliff

June 18, 2015

Her voice for all the underserved will be missed!

Sandy Peck

June 18, 2015

Thank you dear Roz for your friendship and service to the children and voters of Utah. We will always remember you.

Veronica Almeida

June 18, 2015

I remember vividly speaking to her over the phone and felt her sincere love concern for the children she advocated for. She was a force for good and left this planet better than she found it.

Jill Sheinberg

June 18, 2015

RIP Roz. One of a kind. She will be remembered by many Utahns as a leader and a truly good person. Honored to have known her.

Jan Lovett

June 18, 2015

Zell, Thank you for sharing this amazing woman with us. Not only was Roz a mentor when I ran for Legislature she became a friend. This world is is a better place because of her. I've truly been blessed to have had the both of you in my life. Sending you love and light

Laura Gray

June 18, 2015

Roz was a true force of nature and a leader we can only hope to emulate. My thoughts are with Zell and their family.

Heike Armbrust

June 18, 2015

Roz, the light of your soul will shine for us forever. My candles lit for you now and in the future can only be a little reflection of this ...

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