Rosalie Ann Dahlen-Hartfield

Rosalie Anne Dahlen-Hartfield (RoAnne), age 85, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at Collington Retirement Community, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard (Dick) Hartfield. RoAnne is survived by her children, Garth and his wife Melanie, Todd and his wife Julie, and Tara and her husband Scott; her grandchildren, Shelby, Nikki and her husband Jonathan, Allyson, Sean, Maxwell, Shane, Alex, Mason, and Sammy; and her great-grandchildren, Colton and Camryn.

RoAnne, a lifelong learner and dedicated nurse, grew up in Tuckahoe, New York, alongside her sister Cary and late brother Scott. A vibrant spirit, she excelled at Green Mountain College, a women's junior college in Poultney, Vermont. Her involvement was extensive, encompassing athletics (hockey, swimming, basketball, softball), academics (science club, Phi Theta Kappa), and leadership roles (Student Activities Board, Athletic Association president, Winter Carnival Queen). She completed her nursing degree at Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing (CUPHSON).

While working at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, RoAnne pursued a master's degree at Boston University. She married Roger Dahlen, and together they welcomed two sons, Garth and Todd. The family later moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, where RoAnne finished her degree at New York University.

With a passion for education, RoAnne joined the faculty at CUPHSON, teaching medical-surgical nursing and long-term care. She also served as editor of the Alumnae Magazine. 

Due to Roger's new position at the National Library of Medicine, the family moved to Rockville, Maryland. The happy couple welcomed their daughter, Tara, and RoAnne decided to be a stay-at-home mom.

Driven by intellectual curiosity, RoAnne earned a PhD in Nursing Research and Administration from Catholic University. She subsequently led the RN Program at the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Nursing, developing a groundbreaking nursing completion program.

After the divorce in 1985, she took on the role of Coordinator of Nursing Research at George Washington University Medical Center, contributing significantly to the field through her research and mentorship.

In 1987, RoAnne married Dick Hartfield, and they shared a fulfilling life together. The two doted on their many grandchildren and were the beloved Nana and Zaydah to them all. Their later years were spent at Collington Life Care Community until Dick’s passing in 2010. Even in retirement, RoAnne remained active, serving as Administrator of the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the American Nurses Association until 2004. She also developed a passion for travel, visiting China, Ireland, Scotland and Sweden just to name a few. Her beloved sister Cary and their younger brother Scott and his wife Barbara joined her on many of these adventures.

RoAnne was a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, known for her warmth, inclusivity, and unwavering support. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please join Rosalie's family in a celebration of her life at The Collington Lifecare Community Center, 10450 Lottsford Rd, Mitchellville, MD 20721 . Services will begin at 11am on Saturday, August 31st 2024.  Floral expressions are greatly appreciated and should be sent directly to the Community Center . 

We will continue to honor and cherish Rosalie's memory with a lite fare directly following her service. All treasured friends and family are welcome.