Rosann J. Heisler

On February 5, 2020, Rosann Joy Love Heisler exited her cancer-ridden earthly body and entered into the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  By the grace of God, she lived and even thrived with the disease for nearly 7 years, far exceeding all medical expectations.  When it became clear that there were no further effective treatments available, she had overwhelming peace about allowing the Lord to take her home.  She was surrounded by her loving sisters with prayers of thanksgiving.

Rosann was born to Saul Steven and Priscilla Patricia Heisler on March 26, 1970, in New York City; she was the fourth of four sisters.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the young age of 8 years old, even braving rides on the church bus all by herself to learn about God and the Bible, until her family found a church they could all attend together.    

Rosann took up ice skating at the age of 12, and her parents transported her to many lessons and competitions.  She achieved the status of USFSA double gold medalist.  Rosann graduated from home school with a high school diploma and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Edison Community College and also a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of South Florida, along with a minor in elementary education. 

Rosann continued her education in figure skating and ice dance, studying in the United States, France, and Russia.  She competed at the international pro-am level, achieving many first-place finishes in freestyle and ice dance.  Rosann used her extensive experience, skills, and training to become an ice skating/ice dance coach.  Her students have competed and placed high, including first place at the international level.  She became a sought after, beloved coach in several rinks in southwest Florida, most notably the Skatium in Fort Myers, where she was part of the original staff and served as assistant skating director.  For many years she also volunteered her services with her sister Hope to help her students put on an elaborate Christmas on ice show.

Rosann was also a gifted ballroom dancer, having achieved world titles in pro-am competitions in the Bahamas and in Buenos Aires, Argentina and many first-place finishes in dance competitions. 

Beyond that, Rosann had a tender heart for those in need, whether it be children, elderly individuals, or stray cats and dogs.  She had a nursing home ministry where she visited elderly individuals and allowed them to enjoy her therapy animals.  She also rescued and rehabilitated feral cats and stray dogs.  Scared cats became affectionate, loving animals under her tender care.  She would often rise before dark to take care of cat colonies in other cities and towns, paying others to cover for her on days she could not be available.

Rosann was an avid student of the Bible and made two trips to the Holy Land, Israel.  She also toured Rome and Italy.  She was also a world traveler, visiting many other countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, the Czech Republic, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.  She also traveled to nearly all the States. 

Rosann was a dedicated and loving sister, aunt, coach, mentor, and friend.  Perhaps her biggest challenge was learning to live with ovarian cancer and not allow it to take over her life or steal her joy.  She depended heavily upon the Lord for comfort, encouragement, guidance, and wisdom.  She compiled an encyclopedia of encouraging Bible verses and used them to minister to many others with the same disease.  She developed a large following on a scriptural blog she maintained, sharing encouragement with other women.  She also comforted other individuals dealing with terminal illnesses. Rosann remained strong in her faith through her final moments, accepting what God had allowed, and trusting in His love. 

Rosann leaves behind three sisters, Faith Heisler, Hope Heisler, and Carol (Charity) MacNaught, a niece Sarah MacNaught, and a brother-in-law Steve MacNaught.  She also leaves behind two maternal aunts, a paternal aunt, and many cousins.  She also leaves behind many furry friends, most notably her constant companion dog, Lady.  She will also be missed by many friends and students and their families.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father and maternal and paternal grandparents, not to mention many beloved pets.  She looked forward to seeing her parents again in the Lord’s presence. 

Christian burial will be at Charlotte Harbor Cemetery in Port Charlotte, Florida on Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 AM.  Burial arrangements are being handled through Johnson-Taylor Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, Florida.   A memorial will be held for Rosann in Orlando, Florida, officiated by family pastor, Robert A. Petterson on Saturday, February 15 at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests assistance with burial and funeral expenses and/or contributions to Rosann’s adopted child, a three-year-old in Thailand, she has sponsored through Compassion International.  Please contact the family through a FaceBook private message, email, telephone, or the funeral home for details regarding how to help carry on her blessing. 

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of Rosann, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.