JEANNE ROSE
Aromatherapist, Herbalist, Perfumer, Educator, Author
1937 - 2024
Jeanne Rose, world-renowned herbalist, aromatherapist, academic enthusiast, and mother of two, turned the final page of her earthly journey on June 15, 2024, at the age of 87. Heralded as the grande dame of modern aromatherapy, her groundbreaking work began with her seminal 1969 publication, “Herbs & Things: Jeanne Rose's Herbal.”
Born in Stockton, California, and raised in Antioch, Jeanne was the daughter of Aline LaLancette and Arsenio Mercurio Colón. Her educational journey took her from Antioch High School to San José State University, and later to the University of Miami Marine Laboratory, where she honed her passion for the natural world. Jeanne’s career was a tapestry of remarkable achievements and global influence. With 22 books to her name, she traversed continents, spreading her wisdom and igniting a passion for herbalism in countless lives. Her pioneering spirit shone brightly in a domain historically dominated by men, as she shattered barriers and illuminated new paths. Jeanne's legacy is etched in the annals of time, spanning six decades and touching lives across every ocean. She was a beacon of strength and resilience, inspiring women to embrace their inner power and realize their fullest potential. Drawn irresistibly to San Francisco, Jeanne found her sanctuary in a majestic four-story Edwardian house on Carl Street. This grand residence became the epicenter of her life’s work, where she wove her knowledge into the fabric of her surroundings. Her "scriptorium" was a sanctuary where ancient texts like Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia and Gerard's Of the Historie of Plants whispered their secrets. On the fourth floor, the "Perfumery" was a realm of aromatic enchantment where Jeanne hosted workshops, enveloping her students in the science and magic of her craft. One of my most treasured memories of Jeanne is the day she received a package of rare Organic Red Walnuts. After savoring their rich, earthy flavor, she took a small handful to the sunlit back porch. There, bathed in a golden glow, she called softly to a scrub jay perched nearby. The bird responded with a graceful swoop, landing gently in her palm and pecking at the walnuts. The scene was a living tableau of harmony and enchantment, revealing Jeanne’s profound connection with nature. At that moment, she seemed to embody a magical, urban Snow White, harmoniously intertwined with the world around her. In her early years, Jeanne's commitment to her passions extended to volunteering as a docent at the California Academy of Sciences and supporting the Exploratorium of San Francisco. Her love for the arts was reflected in her season tickets to the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Ballet. She frequently marveled at the grace of both football and ballet, drawing mesmerizing parallels between the athletic prowess of football players and the elegant movements of dancers, captivated by the extraordinary feats they achieved with their bodies. Jeanne's legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking work with aromatic plants. Before her renowned publication, she wove a different kind of magic as a couturière to the vibrant counterculture movement. Jeanne, the enchanting tailor, adorned the era’s musical luminaries with garments that were as soulful as the melodies they played. Bands like Big Brother & The Holding Company, Donovan, Steve Miller Band, The Jefferson Airplane, and The Grateful Dead became her canvas. Her creations were not merely clothing but a celebration of natural elegance. Each piece, crafted from the finest, earth-kissed fabrics, draped gracefully and embraced the body like a second skin. Jeanne's designs were infused with the spirit of freedom and harmony, reflecting the natural beauty of the world and the spirit of the times. Though her personal circle was intimate, it was filled with deep affection. At its heart were her two beloved children, Bryan and Amber. Jeanne's passing has left a profound chasm in the hearts of those who cherished her, a void that echoes with the depth of her spirit and the warmth of her presence. Her absence is felt as a silent, lingering ache, a reminder of the boundless love and light she brought into their lives. As her son Bryan eloquently expressed at her memorial, "She wasn't one in a million – she was one of one." Through Jeanne, others learned how to appreciate the sacredness of living, and the ceremony of life. Jeanne Rose’s legacy will continue to thrive through her pioneering work, her devoted students, and her cherished family. In her own words, she went to the garden (olitory) and won't be coming back. She left her heart in San Francisco – forever.
This tribute was written by April Lancaster, a dear friend to Jeanne. The tribute was published in the 2024 11.3 Winter issue of Aromatika Magazine.
