Rosamond Vaughan

Rosamond Vaughan, 73, died November 27, 2025, at her home in Charlottesville. She was born in Southwest Virginia and grew up in the town of Rural Retreat. She taught the last years of her career at Broadus Wood Elementary School in Albemarle County and continued to make Charlottesville her home after retirement.

Rosamond earned bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood development and education from VA Tech. She believed strongly in the importance of education for young children and over her career taught several different grade levels, but she especially loved working with kindergarten aged children. She taught in a number of locations including Christiansburg, Sterling, the Seattle area, and Albemarle County.

Throughout her life, Rosamond supported charitable causes and community programs. Growing up, she collected money for UNICEF at Halloween, was a Girl Scout, and participated in church youth programs. She supported many worthy causes over her adult years, among them the American Heart Association, Doctors Without Borders, the Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Foundation, and many local causes.

When Rosamond came to Broadus Wood, she moved her membership in Alpha Delta Kappa to the local chapter. Alpha Delta Kappa is an honorary organization for outstanding women educators whose mission is to empower those women to advance education, altruism, and world understanding. Rosamond embraced that mission wholeheartedly, not only attending meetings but also participating in all the chapter's activities. She also served as president of the local chapter, attended conferences, and helped host an international graduate student. Many of the members of Alpha Delta Kappa became her dearest friends.

When friends and acquaintances experienced difficult times, Rosamond was there to help. Often, that help took the form of a family meal lovingly prepared and delivered to those in need. She let you know she was available to help by asking new acquaintances, “What can I do to help you?". She shared her vibrant spirit and over-flowing love with everyone she knew. Being with Rosamond was a joy, whether it was sharing books, laughter, quiet conversation, a walk or a meal. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved son, Michael Papadales and his loving wife, Karen, of Arlington, VA, her cherished grandsons, Charlie, Robbie and Emmett, also of Arlington, her devoted sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Steve Dagwell, of Salem, VA, and her dear friend and cousin, Margaret Clary, of White Plains, VA.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 17, 2026, from noon until 4:00 pm at Old Metropolitan Hall, 101 E Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902. Old Metropolitan is on the Mall with parking available immediately behind the facility.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosamond's memory to one of the following:

• The Rosamond N. Vaughan Memorial Scholarship for Educators (through Alpha Delta Kappa) Nancy Ritinski, Treasurer, VA Gamma Omicron

187 Red Pine Drive Zion Crossroads, VA 22942

• Southwest VA Food Bank or the local food bank in your area