Rosalind Blankenship Mulvany

Rosalind (Hetland) Blankenship Mulvany, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024 in Pleasanton, CA. Rose was born on September 26, 1937 in Creston, Iowa to Elmer and Beatrice (Wycoff-Abbott) Hetland.  Rose graduated high school in Creston in 1955 and went on to graduate from the Nebraska Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. Family and friends are invited to the Strand Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1103 160th St, Corning, IA 50864 on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11:00am to honor the life of Rose.  Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com

 Rose had a long and fulfilling career in nursing both at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. She very much enjoyed and excelled at being a registered nurse.  She always loved her service in the hospital nursery. She began her career with bedside nursing care and built a nursing career that included Hemophilia Coordinator at the (old) Stanford Children’s Hospital and concluded after many years of service in Infection Control.  She was a founding member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC). Rose was exceptional at being a caregiver, both on the job and with her family. 

Rose had a passion for travel and visiting new and interesting places. She loved experiencing new environments and cultures, meeting new people and learning the stories and history they shared with her. Rosie, as she was fondly known by her friends, was an incredibly fun and adventurous spirit, respectful and open-minded to all she crossed paths with.  She was always quick with a smile and a “glass half full” positive outlook on life. Her generosity was boundless, always willing to give her time, spiritual and material support, and nursing expertise to her family, friends and community. She was an exceptional role model to her family.  

Rose is survived by her husband, Robert Mulvany, her first husband, Charles Blankenship Jr. of Omaha, NE, son, Doug (Heidi) Blankenship of Chapel Hill, NC, daughter Kaylei (Randy) Blankenship of Novato, CA, and grandchildren Finn Larson, Harper Larson, and Berit Blankenship.

Rose was preceded in death by her sister Phyllis Hauptmeier.

Rose had an endless love for and pride in her grandchildren. Her tenderness and patience for her grandchildren never went unnoticed. Her family and friends meant everything to her and her presence will be profoundly missed.