Maggie Rossman Memorial Fund

Dear friends,

I want to share the wonderful life of our amazing and dear friend, Margaret "Maggie" Marian Rossman. On September 27, 2023, Maggie died from complications of childbirth, after bringing her beautiful baby, Rory Coonrod, into the world. She would have been an incredible mom.

Maggie was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Mary and Roger Rossman, two of the kindest and most supportive parents. Her older brother, Alex, was always a role model for her, and she was extremely close with her sister Caitie. They attended Catholic school, where Maggie excelled, and was a basketball fiend; she also had a beloved Volkswagon Jetta named "Toothy."

At Harvard, Maggie was an incredible friend, and an effervescent spirit. She was an English Language and American Literature concentrator, and wrote spirited editorials for The Harvard Crimson as part of the Ed Board. She thrived in our communities in Weld and Mather House. She loved dressing up (in costumes and fancy clothes), and hosting elaborate theme parties. Maggie really was a friend to everyone she met -- she had an inimitable ability to connect with others, and show them love and respect.

Following graduation, she completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Film Studies at Boston University, and then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Culture at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Her dissertation highlighted her focus on researching fandom, media and gender. Her time at IU was particularly significant, as it was there that she met the love of her life, Josh Coonrod. They loved living and learning together in Bloomington, along with their amazing dog, Brick. Maggie was a Teaching Fellow and Instructor at Butler University, prior to assuming a position as Assistant Professor at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky in 2020. Maggie was an enthusiastic and gifted educator, and was devoted to her students' development. She often spoke about the fulfillment and inspiration that she got from seeing her students develop in the classroom, and connecting that to her own experiences as a student.

Between her hard work and many accomplishments, Maggie enjoyed traveling the world with Caitie, as they took a heritage trip in Ireland, swam with manatees in Florida, and cuddled with koalas, wallabies and kangaroos in Australia. In the midwest, Maggie and Josh loved frequenting state fairs, amusement parks, dive bars, barbeque, and music and film festivals.

Maggie and Josh married on July 17, 2021 in an intimate woodland setting with family. They later celebrated their wedding again in a magical "treehouse" wedding at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 17, 2022. The celebration included authentic BBQ, an incredible amount of joy, and a large, choreographed, entire-reception dance. In true Maggie fashion, the celebration exceeded all expectations, and was such an embodiment of her amazing spirit.

In early 2023, Maggie and Josh were thrilled to be pregnant with their son, and had moved into a new home, as they awaited his arrival. He would be named after her father, Roger, with the Irish variant, "Rory," and he was spirited even before his arrival -- often dancing in Maggie's belly. He brought her so much joy.

Joy, love, enthusiasm, brilliance, humor, and beauty -- we will always associate these qualities with Maggie, and cherish her memory very dearly. She will shine brightly, as inspiration for us to love and appreciate each other forever.

To honor Maggie's memory, please share what you can to support Rory and Josh as they navigate this difficult path. For example, contributions may be used to provide for a night nanny, supply newborn essentials, assist with costs of moving, and establish higher education funds for Rory. We hope to help Rory shine as brightly as his wonderful mom in the future, and provide Josh and Rory with ongoing love and support.

Lots of love,

Maggie's Greatest Fan Club