Rosalie Kessler

Rosalie Kessler, Arts Advocate Who Brought Grace and Grit to Washington, Dies at age 82.



Rosalie Kessler, a lifelong champion of the arts and former director at the National Endowment for the Arts, died on August 7, 2025, at her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She was 82.

Diagnosed with cancer in 1992, Rosalie lived more than three decades with the disease, meeting each challenge with grace and quiet strength. Her husband, Steven Katzki, described her with two words: beauty and courage-"not just the beauty you see, but the beauty within."

Born in Pittsburgh in 1943, Rosalie was the eldest of four children in a household where books and museum visits were treasured. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, she moved to Washington, D.C., where her career unfolded alongside the capital's growing cultural landscape.

Rosalie led the American Arts Alliance as Assistant Director and then Executive Director before joining the NEA as Director of National Initiatives where she helped create landmark programs such as "The Big Read" and "Shakespeare in American Communities." During the culture wars of the 1990s, she became a fierce defender of artistic freedom and federal support for the arts.

Rosalie also served in the office of First Lady Hillary Clinton, working with states and mayors to coordinate the White House Millennium Council's national celebration.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rosalie was beloved for her sharp memory, vivid storytelling, and generous spirit. She brought humor, insight, and heart to every gathering-always the one to offer comfort, encouragement, or a perfectly timed anecdote. Her warmth and loyalty left a lasting imprint on friends, family, and colleagues alike.

In retirement, she split her time between Maryland and Highland Beach, Florida, enjoying long walks by the sea. Rosalie and Steve often strolled hand-in-hand, reflecting on their journey together-one of her favorite pastimes.

Rosalie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Steven Katzki; her brothers Steven Kessler and Richard Kessler (Karen); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, artist Jane Kessler.

If Rosalie had a final wish, it might be this: visit a museum, read a good book, and don't skip the dessert. And please-support the arts in any way you can.

A private remembrance will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers or planting trees, contributions may be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.