Rose Matychak Lernberg

June 19, 1927 - June 6, 2016

Rose Matychak Lernberg passed away peacefully after a long illness at Chaparral House in Berkeley. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Rose was born in New York State and was a longtime resident of El Cerrito. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1943. She had a career first in business management and then as a school librarian. Rose was active and well known in her community and she received many awards from the city of El Cerrito for her efforts. She worked tirelessly for animal rights and was an active participant in the Democratic Party. She loved children, was an outstanding seamstress who knit many beautiful sweaters and will be fondly remembered for her prowess in the kitchen.

Many thanks from her family go to Chaparral House for their outstanding medical care and kindness to Rose. Special mention must be made for the help of her caregivers, Divine Barcinas and Gloria Simbulan.

A memorial service is pending.

Rose Matychak Lernberg passed away peacefully after a long illness at Chaparral House in Berkeley. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Rose was born in New York State and was a longtime resident of El Cerrito. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1943.Continue Reading

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I am so sorry for the family's loss. Rose was an amazing and inspiring woman. I felt so lucky to have gotten to know her and to work by her side at the Capitol to work for the animals. I often thought - I am going to be like Rose when I get older and fight the good fight as long as I can. I remember her telling me once that growing older was tough because her mind was sharp but her body got tired. Clearly it has stuck with me. She was firey which I loved and also brought some of that fire a time or two. Haha. I had no idea until later all of the work she had done but I loved working with her in the 2000s and respected her integrity. lauren Ornelas

They cannot ask for kindness Nor for our mercy plead, Yet cruel is our blindness Which does not see their need. -Edgar Guest Rose always kept sight of their need, and she acted. She is an inspiration to us all... A life well-lived. With fondest memories, Eric Sakach

I remember working with Rose on the PawPac chart years ago, when software was not what it is today. Rose's dedication to the animals allowed her to endure the tallying the votes on animal protection bills and laying out that large chart with tiny type, year and after year. Rose will be missed by humans and animals alike. with love, Lindsay Vurek

As I was a younger Animal Rights activist, Rose was an inspiration to me. Rose was one of the most knowledgeable, persevering people I knew in the Animal Rights movement and she gave me much incentive just watching and listening to her. I will miss so much those rides we would take up to Sacramento together where I learned so much about caring for animals no only in our homes but in the California's state legislature as well. There is a special place for you upstairs, Rosie. It's in the hearts of all of us who were so honored to have known you. Rest in peace now, Rosie. You will not be forgotten.

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since you left us, Aunt Rose. You are greatly missed, but I love to think of you together with your Ron again, looking down on us. (And I don't doubt you have some interesting thoughts about the political scene you left behind!)

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

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My Aunt Rose was a beautiful, multi-faceted, generous, professional woman who loved animals, her family and friends. She was instrumental in establishing PawPac to fight for animal rights. She worked tirelessly to support legislation for animals and to fight legislation harmful to animals. A child of immigrant parents, she spoke Russian fluently and was very patriotic. She was preceded in death by her parents John Matychak and Pelagia Drayovich Matychak Jadick; brothers Samuel Matychak & Harry Matychak; sister Olga Jadick and stepfather Alex Jadick.

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END OF AN ERA. A great loss, this. Rose, together with the late Gladys Sargent, Virginia Handley and Karen Raasch, were four pillars of the Golden Age of the local animal rights/welfare movement in the 1980's and '90's. I have fond memories of our many trips to Sacramento (Rose, Gladdie & Virginia) in my '69 VW bug, debating the merits of various animal bills. (Advil helped!) Rose and Virginia were the heart of Paw PAC (the annual Legislative Voting Chart for Animals), Rose was a walking encyclopedia of legislation, past and present, a tireless (and selfless) advocate for animals, and a great friend to boot. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to her family and many friends and admirers. R.I.P., Rose! You were truly one of the "good'uns," and set the bar high for the rest of us. Hey to your beloved Ron, another wonderful soul. As Margaret Wehinger would have said, "I clutch your paw." With love and admiration, Eric Mills, coordinator ACTION FOR ANIMALS Oakland

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Rose helped to plant the Animal Rights tree in California. I'm happy she was able to see it start to bear fruit- and there is more to come. Thanks Rose.

Happy 89th birthday in Heaven, Aunt Rose! I'm sure you are as happy with Uncle Ron now as you were the day that Larkin snapped this photo of you.

My sincere condolences to the family of this very cherished lady--indeed, I remember so very well, at those wonderful beyond wonder Sacramento legislative meetings, how I always was in awe at how Rose and Virginia (and of course, all the other precious animal folks) were SO on top of their game-they knew all the pros and cons of each bill and what committee it was in and where it was going, plus they wrote up all those charts by hand and had to constantly revise them as there were always amendments-if we think it was a nitemare, just imagine them working thru it all! I know they made everyone else care for the sole reason that they cared so much themselves. The animals they helped in their lifetimes was phenomenal-these 2 great gals never ever missed a meeting, and drew so many other dedicated folks to follow as well. Plus, on the side, I have to say Rose had the most beautiful handwriting ever-I always had to admire it---you and Virginia and Gladys and Karen all rest in peace, and all the other wonderful animal folks who led the way-too numerous to mention--you all have earned that special place in heaven--we keep you all in our thoughts and prayers---With much love, now and always, Patricia and Sharon Briggs

Rose brought a great deal of good to the justice for animals campaign. She had the heart of an activist and the mind of an analyst. Her quiet, varied contributions to the cause will live on. C & B Gage

Rose helped to plant the animal rights tree in the state of California. I'm happy she was able to see a few pieces of fruit picked...with many more to come. Thank you,Rose.

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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.