Rosalind Rich Rieser

Rosalind passed away July 2, 2025 in Hilton Head Island, SC.

She was born Rosalind Rich in New York on April 24, 1939, the daughter of Katherine Rosenheim Rieser and Dr. Charles Ely Rieser, and was the great-great granddaughter of Morris Rich, one of the founders of Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta.

After moving to Atlanta at a young age, Rosalind attended “Little Lovett” preschool and graduated from Christ the King High School in 1957. While in high school, Rosalind danced in the senior company of the Atlanta Civic Ballet, which would later become the Atlanta Ballet.

On February 12, 1956, Rosalind was featured on the cover of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution Magazine as a ballerina wearing a flowing red satin skirt and pink sleeveless blouse, holding a box of Valentine heart candy, whispering a secret to Cupid.

After graduating from high school, Rosalind left Atlanta to earn an Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She returned to Atlanta and married Richard Joseph Needle, a native of Tampa, Florida.

Rosalind taught kindergarten at The Lovett School and was active on the Teen Board at Rich’s. She also volunteered as directory editor for the National Council of Jewish Women and was a passionate supporter of the arts in Atlanta. Rosalind was a loving, devoted mother who was very proud of her family heritage. Her hobbies included pottery, ceramic painting, glass bead making and caring for her beloved Poodle, Boss.

Rosalind is survived by her son, Charles (and wife, Melissa) Needle of Longmont, Colorado, daughter, Katherine Dyess of Sparks, Nevada, grandson, Sterling Dyess of Sparks, Nevada, niece, Robyn Barkin of Atlanta, and nephew, David Rieser of Sydney, Australia.

Following the graveside service on April 4, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at Swan Coach House at 1:30 pm (3130 Slaton Dr, NW; Atlanta, GA 30305).

In memory of Rosalind, donations may be made to the Rosalind Rich Rieser Memorial Scholarship at Penland School of Craft (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ivLkpg?vid=1pklmg).