FVA mourns the loss of Rosemary Caldwell Collins, who passed away on Tuesday, December 22. A graduate of Countryside High School, Rosemary earned music degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University. She returned to her home in Pinellas County to teach music at Ponce De Leon Elementary School, Safety Harbor Middle School, and Clearwater High School, where she has served as choral director since 2017.

A current member of the FVA Executive Board, she was serving an extended term as District 9 Chair, the second occasion she served her district in that role. She was a past president of the Pinellas County Music Educators Association and was twice invited to participate in the Florida Music Education Association Summer Institute. She also served as Director of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.

Rosemary was a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend whose absence will be felt deeply by many. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. Information regarding services and memorials will be shared as it becomes available.