A fundraiser in memory of Rose Vaughn will be held from noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Loyal Order of Moose in Falconer. Funds raised will go toward organizations that provide in-home services to those receiving cancer treatment. Submitted photo

FALCONER — As a self-taught guitar player and singer, Rose Vaughn ministered through her music in churches, prisons and community events. But her family was her life, second only to God, and she enjoyed bringing family and friends together and sharing her music.

“Her heart and soul were full of love and faith,” her daughters, Peggy Rothwell and Brenda Rissel, said.

Vaughn died in October 2022 following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Her family is now looking to raise money for organizations that provide in-home services to those receiving cancer treatment.

Peggy Rothwell and Brenda Rissel said their mother, who was not eligible for in-home services, wanted to stay in her home during her cancer treatment. The family paid out of pocket for a handful of services and equipment to keep her comfortable and in her home, though a grant through the Office for the Aging did support her care.

Vaughn also was aided by Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care where she received music therapy.

“Our mother was always concerned about others — family, friends and strangers,” her daughters said. “She was always willing to help in any way she could. We feel that this is how she wants to be remembered, helping people.”

Vaughn was very active in the music world throughout her life and took part in several bands, including a religious group called The Gospel Roadrunners who traveled to churches and retirement/nursing homes. She was the grandmother of local musician Derek Davis.

She was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in the fall of 2020. According to the family, the cancer was inoperable, and Vaughn received numerous rounds of chemo and immune therapy.

After two years, Vaughn decided to end treatment. She died on Oct. 28, 2022, while receiving care at the Star Hospice House in Lakewood,

A fundraiser in Vaughn’s memory will be held from noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Loyal Order of Moose, 11 S. Dow St., Falconer. The event will include live music, several basket raffles, 50/50 drawings, hot dogs, chips, drinks and a bake sale.

Peggy Rothwell and Brenda Rissel said the family has recently begun working with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to set up a fund in Vaughn’s name for the purpose of “assisting families like ours in which the services needed are not fully covered.”