Rose Walton was a loving, smart, compassionate, pioneering woman who was the love of Marjorie Sherwin’s life. Rose recognized a need for HIV/AIDS care and advocacy. She did much of her work in New York. At a time when Long Island had the highest suburban HIV rate in the country, Rose founded New York’s first hotline and AIDS education and resource center while she was a professor at SUNY Stony Brook

Amid the vicious homophobia and vitriol that was directed at AIDS patients, their caregivers and gay people during the AIDS crisis, Rose trained healthcare workers and co-chaired the hundreds-strong East End Gay Organization (EEGO.) She was such an authority on the epidemic that she testified before Congress and was interviewed by national media outlets.

Rose was a pioneer with strong determination and a big heart. She brought comfort to the afflicted and their families through her advocacy while mounting efforts focused on preventing further infections. The results of her exhaustive efforts on prevention saved the lives of thousands through education, organization and support.

Rose was instrumental in establishing the first AIDS clinic which is now the Rose Walton Care Services at the Edie Windsor health center housed in Hampton bays under South Hampton hospital.

Rose died in 2022 at the age of 85. She is survived by her wife of 47 years, Marjorie Sherwin.

Click here for a more detailed look at Rose Walton’s life.