By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor
Following the death of his daughter, Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley – who was hit and killed by 30-year-old Joseph Alcazar in Newport Beach on May 25, 2024 – Dr. Fillmore Smiley sought a way to keep her memory alive and pay tribute to the young woman she was.
Dr. Smiley sought and received permission from the board of trustees of the Rim of the World Unified School District to place memorial benches at each of the schools that were part of his daughter’s life: Charles Hoffman Elementary, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate and Rim of the World High School.
This memorial bench has been placed at Charles Hoffman Elementary School, which Rose Smiley attended.
On Dec. 11 Dr. Smiley and his wife, Glori, delivered the first bench – dark blue, made of recycled plastic – to CHE. That bench was placed in the school’s reading garden.
“The goal is it will live there for at least 50 years and be enjoyed by generations of students,” Dr. Smiley said.
He expressed his gratitude to the district staff and the board of education, who he described as “extremely thoughtful and compassionate.”
Dr. Smiley expressed a special thank you to Principal Megan Dieli, “who was kind enough to endorse the donation. Megan never met Rose so her immediate commitment to honoring Rose speaks to the kindness and thoughtfulness of her character.”
To the right of this bench at MPH is a grassy area where students congregate.
Then, on Dec. 13, Dr. Smiley and his son, Cinco, delivered a light blue bench to MPH. That bench is next to a “lovely grassy area by the library. The area is enjoyed by students doing academic activities and library projects,” Dr. Smiley noted.
The final bench was delivered to Rim High on Dec. 18.
“It was an arduous journey getting from conception to installation,” Dr. Smiley said. “Frankly, I am glad the task is complete. It was stressful and heartbreaking. But the goal is to create a legacy for Rose. I can promise I will continue to do everything I can to accomplish that goal.”
This metal bench in memory of Rose Smiley will be placed by Lake Gregory.
A metal bench has been completed and will be installed at Lake Gregory. Initially, it will be placed under an oak tree by the San Moritz Lodge, looking out toward the lake, When the new park is built next to the dog park, it will be moved there and become the centerpiece of that park.
Another bench is currently being built that will be placed in Firehouse Park in Running Springs.
The Smileys are also proposing to place benches at Mountains Community Hospital and at Mackay Park. The latter will take some extra work as it is within a special district. Supervisor Dawn Rowe is advocating for it but, as Dr. Smiley noted, is not the ultimate decision maker.
Throughout this process, Dr. Smiley has marveled at the kindness and compassion expressed by everyone he has worked with.
“It has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “We are extremely grateful. Eternally grateful.”
A dinner to raise money for the Rose Smiley memorial legacy fund will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Crestline Café. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the fund to help keep Rose’s memory alive. The café’s regular menu will be available.
Editor’s note: Joseph Alcazar had been twice convicted of driving under the influence and reportedly had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit when he hit Rose. He has been charged by the Orange County DA with murder.
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