Rochester trailblazer Rosa Wims dies at 100

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rosa Wims has died. She was a trailblazer, breaking ground for African Americans in the medical field.

Mayor Malik Evans joined City Councilmember Mitch Gruber to present a proclamation to Rosa Wims on her 100^th birthday last year.

Among her many life accomplishments, Wims was one of the first Black Licensed Professional Nurses to work at Rochester Regional Health. She founded the Rosa Wims Family Wellness Center, and provided free Thanksgiving meals for up to 400 people at a time for over three decades.

Mayor Evans released the following statement:

“I have known Ms. Rosa Wims for many years, and am very saddened to learn of her passing. She set a fine example by always putting people first and looking for ways to uplift and improve our city. I was honored to celebrate her 100^th birthday with her recently and to recognize her for the profound impact she has had on the entire Rochester community.”

Her family is working on a memorial service.