Musician, community activist Rosenberg dies

Friday, Jan. 22, 1999 | 10:41 a.m.

As a piano player, she played her heart out in the lounges of early Las Vegas hotels. As a humanitarian, she helped to change the lives of others less fortunate.

Bess H. Rosenberg, who was known to play a "mean tune" on the piano and warm the hearts of others with her kindness, died Thursday at a local hospital. She was 87.

Rosenberg was born Aug. 12, 1911, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She later moved to Omaha, Neb., where she met and married her husband, Joe.

In 1942, the two headed west to Las Vegas where she would play in the lounges of the Last Frontier and Flamingo hotels and he would become a casino executive.

Yet Rosenberg offered Las Vegas much more than the gift of music.

In 1942 she became a volunteer with the local Red Cross, said Rosenberg's long-time friend Mary Barnett. In later years Rosenberg was in charge of the mobile X-ray unit for the Tuberculosis Association.

She helped form Variety Club Tent 39 and its Handicap Center for Children.

When Rosenberg saw the needs at St. Rose de Lima Hospital, she became one of the auxiliary's hardest working Ways and Means Chairman, friends say. In 1959, Rosenberg became president of the auxiliary, during which time the wing of the nursery was completely renovated with new X-ray equipment.

In 1967, she became a charter member of the St. Jude's Women's Auxiliary for St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The ranch serves as a safe haven for abused and neglected children. She became president of the auxiliary in 1987.

Rosenberg's efforts helped purchase the first van for the children, renovate the chapel, build the swimming pool and additional cottages.

"She's done a great many things," Barnett said. "She loved life and if she saw someone that needed something she would give to them with joy in her heart."

In addition, Rosenberg was a member of Star Auxiliary, Nevada Animal Society and a life member of Hadassa.

Her goodwill rarely went unrecognized. She won many awards, including the Variety Heart Award that she won in 1980, and the Clark County Philanthropic Mother of the Year award in 1990.

She was known as a good friend to others, driving them to medical appointments or the grocery store, sometimes bringing a meal to their home already prepared, Barnett said.

Rosenberg often held celebrations and dinners at her home where she loved to reminisce about old Las Vegas.

"She played for Bugsy Siegal, but if you said that, she'd be quick to correct you 'Oh no, we called him Benny,' " Barnett said.

"She played anything, anything you'd ask. Right until her death she could play a mean number. The whole community is going to miss her. She was a wonderful lady."

In addition to her many friends, she is survived by one brother-in-law, Phil Rosenberg of Las Vegas.

Graveside services were 1 p.m. today in Palm Memorial Park. Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St., handled arrangements.

The family suggests donations to St. Jude's Ranch for Children Inc., 100 St. Jude, Boulder City, NV 89005.