Perhaps the only woman in Avalon with the power to stop pedestrian traffic on Crescent Avenue, Rosie Cadman meandered like royalty through the island streets for most of her life.
“Rosie,” to many, “Grandma” to others, Rosie Cadman was a once-in-a-lifetime citizen of Catalina who left an indelible mark on the island’s lore after nearly eight decades in Avalon.
During the early years, Rosie’s wit, grit, and business savvy helped transform the island into the tropical haven it has become.
In later years, she reigned over the town with well-deserved folk royalty, occasionally holding court on the green pier and still playing a key role in the island’s social circuit.
As an example, Rosie would often, if not daily, walk to the supermarket, grab a few things to cook, and open her door to friends for her regular potluck supper with friends.
Authorities say it was this very routine this week that Rosie was in the middle of when she left the island for the very last time.
Friends say she was found, with groceries, near her front door. Paramedics worked to revive Rosie, she said, but the Queen of Catalina had already given her legend to the ages.
The City Council held a moment of silence for Rosie during their meeting this week.
“Rosie never met a stranger. Residents, anglers and visitors grew up knowing her as the owner of Rosie’s on the Pier Fish Market and weigh master of thousands and thousands of pounds of fish and the firing of the cannon when large game fish would arrive,” said Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall in a statement.
“Rosie’s other legacy is the incredible family she has nurtured. Rosie is loved by all and will be forever remembered,” the mayor said.
She was 99.
Rosie’s legacy is so large she became the subject of her own film, The Catalina Story Project presents “Rosie.” The film is still available on YouTube.
The Catalina Island Museum had scheduled the second installment of the Summer Documentary Series, “Rosie and Lolo,” on Aug. 23. The Catalina Islander has reached out to the Museum to determine the status of the screening.
The city will come together on Aug. 18 to honor Rosie’s memory, her family said in the following statement they issued to the public.
“To all who loved Rosie Cadman, we are honored to announce the celebration of Rosie Cadman’s life Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Casino Ballroom.
There will be a cannon fire at 1 p/m/ Sunday afternoon on the Green Pleasure Pier from the Harbor Department. The doors to the casino will open at 2 p.m. and the memorial will begin by 3 p.m.
Food will be provided by community volunteers and any contributions are welcome. There will be a sign-up sheet to share stories of our beloved Rosie and a slideshow for photos. If anyone would like to contribute photos for the slideshow, please reach out via email kara.mfullmer@gmail.com
Bring your best party clothes, your best memories, and friends and family of Grandma Rosie.”
Editor’s note: To Celebrate Rosie’s Memory, the Catalina Islander will run a profile of Rosie that originally ran in May of 2018.
