Rose Marie Sandecki

Colonel Rose Sandecki, a Vietnam War veteran, Army nurse, pioneering veterans' advocate and educator, passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2026, at a VA nursing home, with her loving partner and fellow Vietnam veteran, Pamela White, by her side.

Rose lived a remarkable life of service. She received her nursing degree from Mercy Hospital and her B.S. from D'Youville University. Her dedication to her country led her to volunteer for duty with the Army in Vietnam, where she served as head nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, first in Cu Chi and later in Da Nang. There, she cared for wounded and critically ill service members and witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional toll of war.

But Rose's service did not end when she came home.

After Vietnam, she devoted her career to helping veterans cope with the wounds of war that could not always be seen. In December 1981, Rose was appointed Director of the Concord Vet Center, making history as the first woman who had served in-country during the Vietnam War to be named director of a VA Vet Center.

Rose became a tireless advocate for Vietnam veterans, particularly those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. She understood from experience that returning home did not necessarily mean the war was over. For many veterans, the battle continued in their memories, relationships and daily lives.

Rose was known for her candid, direct speaking style and for speaking openly about the experiences of women veterans. Her willingness to break the silence surrounding women who had served in Vietnam helped others recognize that they were not alone. For some women veterans, hearing Rose speak gave them the courage to acknowledge their own struggles and seek counseling and support through VA Centers.

Her contributions to veterans and her service to her country have been permanently honored at the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento, where a statue bearing her likeness stands among the memorials honoring those connected to the Vietnam War.

Those who knew Rose knew that her accomplishments told only part of her story. She was a compassionate nurse, a courageous veteran, a trailblazer, an educator and a tireless advocate. She opened doors for women who followed her and helped give a voice to veterans whose experiences had too often been overlooked.

In her final year, Rose was cared for at Douglas T. Jacobson Veterans Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, FL. Pam remained by her side, providing love, companionship and comfort.

Rose leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond her military service. She served her country in Vietnam, then spent the rest of her career serving the people who had served alongside her. She taught others about the wounds of war, spoke for veterans who struggled to speak for themselves, and reminded a generation that women had served in Vietnam, too, and that their stories mattered.

Perhaps most importantly, Rose showed others that speaking openly about the wounds of war was not a sign of weakness, but a way forward.

Rose answered the call to serve her country. Then she spent the rest of her life answering the call to serve her fellow veterans.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever honored.

Rose was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Rose (Giermek) Sandecki of Buffalo, NY. She is survived by her loving partner, Pam White, and her sisters, Joan Flynn (late Raymond) and Patricia Nelson (late Russell). She was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Sandecki. Rose was a devoted aunt to Kathleen Flynn (James Arone), Sharon Flynn (John Paoletti) and Jeffrey Nelson, all of whom will remember her with great love and affection.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Rose's memory to make a donation to the Douglas T. Jacobson Veterans Nursing Home through the Douglas Jacobson Residents Fund.