Birthday Tributes for Rose Marie Bogley
Written by Dulcy B. Hooper | Photo by Tony Powell
The charm, elegance, and generosity that define Rose Marie Bogley are well known in the Middleburg and Upperville communities. As she celebrates her birthday on November 8, friends and family offer their well wishes and messages of celebration!
Among her many devoted friends is Robert Heggestad, who describes Bogley as “…the essence of a Renaissance woman. Beyond her talents as a horsewoman, philanthropist, painter, and unmatched elegant hostess, she has created a multidimensional ambiance at Peace and Plenty Farm at Bollingbrook in Upperville, which her friends have had the privilege of enjoying for many decades. It is a master painting which reflects her endless talents and love of animals.”
Lisa Barry, another close friend, says, “It is an honor to call Rose Marie a friend. She sets the platinum standard for everything she touches — from her successes as a horsewoman and athlete, hostess without peer, [to] executive and fashion icon. If she had been born a few years later, her exceptional leadership qualities and incomparable charm and grace would have assured her a place as a senator or corporate CEO. She has served as an important role model for women and men who are striving for excellence and understand the importance of relationships and friendship. She is a national treasure.”
Bogley’s commitment and generosity to animal welfare and rescue organizations is legendary — a commitment that has been carried forward by her daughter, Hilleary Bogley. Having taught herself sidesaddle by reading a book, Rose Marie Bogley competed in many equestrian events and bred horses at her farm. She became one of the most accomplished sidesaddle riders in the country. “It is a remarkable life,” shares Hilleary Bogley.
Ray Leblanc has known Rose Marie for nearly 50 years. “I will always remember fondly our antiquing trips to Washington,” he notes. “She would go her way and I would go my way and we would compare notes over lunch on the way back. She is lovely.”
From her friend, Jennifer Richards, “Rose Marie, happy birthday. You are an extraordinary woman whose elegance and generosity inspire us all! Your grace and kindness light up every room you enter. May this year bring you as much joy as you give to those around you. Here’s to celebrating you on your birthday and always. Much love.”
From Manley and Mary Johnson, “Congratulations to the Grand Dame of Middleburg and Upperville! You have set the standard for Middleburg and Upperville for decades.”
Joyce Mullins adds, “There are rare and special people, and Rose Marie — you are both! You are very special to me and have always been there for me in happy times and sad times. Happy birthday, my special and rare friend. I love you, Rose Marie.”
Wishing a very happy birthday to Rose Marie Bogley, an icon in the community who has meant so much to so many! ML
IN CELEBRATION OF ROSE MARIE BOGLEY
Written by Dr. David C. Levy
Be it resolved that
Whereas the ever elegant and gracious Rose Marie Bogley is adored as a stalwart friend, an extraordinary hostess, an award-winning sportswoman and a talented artist; and
Whereas her commitment to the welfare of animals large and small and her unflagging support of animal rescue is legendary, her personal efforts in these causes are celebrated as an outstanding example and are a model for us all; and
Whereas she is a breeder of fine race and show horses, hailed as the most beautiful sidesaddle rider in the country, and has won Madison Square Garden’s sidesaddle event three times; and
Whereas, with deep-set green eyes and perfect mane, her beauty and charm is admired nationwide and her style so exquisite that she was muse to Bill Blass, James Galanos, and Halston and mistaken for Ursula Andress’ sister while locked in conversation with Gregory Peck; and
Whereas she has ensured that there will always be a safe haven for rescued animals at Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, and her commitment to conservation has led to the placement of several hundred acres of land in preservation for perpetuity;
Be it Resolved, that on this happy celebration of her birthday we applaud our loving and magnificent friend, Rose Marie Bogley, and thank her for giving so much of herself to each of us, her friends, family, and community, while inspiring us with her flair, creativity, and beauty.
Thus we hereby set our names to this encomium on this 8th day of November, 2024.
David C. Levy and Carole Feld, Mary and Manley Johnson, Robert Heggestad, Mike Lotus, Lisa Barry and Jim Gale, Tom and Katherine Anderson, Ken Rietz, Donna Shor, C.L. Sigman, Susan and Michael Pillsbury, Dan King, Cindy and Mark Thompson, Jacqueline Ohrstrom, Alfred and Maureen Griffin, Olga and Bob Ryan, Elizabeth Von Hassell, Joyce Mullins, Willee and Finlay Lewis, Ray Leblanc, Mark Nolan, Jack Gerstein, Kevin Chaffee, Roxanne Roberts, Mary Howell, Ann Brown and Ted Poritz, Irina Rapoport, John Irelan, Eric and Susi Larsen, Leah and Jack Fergason, Will and Jovita Gross Rogers, Tony Powell, Georgia Gerstein
Published in the November 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.