Rosa Wims left an unforgettable legacy in Rochester, blending healthcare, community service, and philanthropy. Known as the first Black licensed practical nurse at Rochester General Hospital, Wims also became a symbol of compassion through her Pre-Thanksgiving Dinners, which served hundreds annually. Her story of perseverance and service continues to inspire generations.
Pioneering Healthcare as Rochester’s First Black Nurse
Rosa Wims began her career as a cleaning staff member at Rochester General Hospital. Despite the racial and gender challenges of the 1950s, her dedication and potential were undeniable.
Hospital supervisors encouraged her to join the nurse’s aide training program, and she excelled. Rosa Wims became the hospital’s first Black nurse’s aide and, soon after, the first Black licensed practical nurse. Her career spanned 28 years, during which she broke barriers and served as a role model for others aspiring to enter healthcare.
Her commitment to healthcare didn’t end with her retirement in 1984. Wims established the Faith Community Health Awareness Center, now renamed the Rosa Wims Family Wellness Center, to extend her impact on community wellness.
Creating a Thanksgiving Tradition of Kindness
Rosa Wims didn’t just heal bodies; she nurtured souls. In the 1970s, she started the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner with a simple turkey meal for 25 people in an old storefront on Jefferson Avenue. This small act of kindness grew into a beloved annual event.
Doctors, nurses, and volunteers joined her efforts, serving hundreds of meals each year. With Foodlink’s support, the event expanded even further, becoming a cornerstone of Thanksgiving in Rochester.
For Rosa, these dinners were about more than food. “I saw a need,” she explained in a 2016 interview, giving all credit to God for using her as a vessel for good.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Service and Dedication
Throughout her life, Rosa Wims received numerous honors for her contributions. In 2015, she was awarded the W. Burton Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award. Former Mayor Lovely Warren proclaimed November 6 as “Rosa Wims Day” to recognize her decades of selfless service.
Even in her later years, Wims remained an active part of her community. Although she retired from hosting the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner in 2020 at the age of 97, she continued to encourage younger generations to take over.
Her secret to longevity? Staying active and positive. “Focus on your mind, and pass what you know onto your children,” she once said.
A Legacy That Inspires
Rosa Wims passed away on September 23, 2023, at the remarkable age of 100. Her story is not just about personal achievement but also about how one person’s dedication can uplift an entire community.
Her life reminds us that trailblazers like Rosa not only make history—they change lives. From breaking barriers in healthcare to transforming Thanksgiving into a tradition of love, Rosa Wims’ legacy continues to empower generations in Rochester and beyond.
