Ms Rosson lived a life in service to the public.
Her work in public office began in 1986 when she won a seat on the Dunedin City Council.
Her local government career continued when she joined the regional council in 1989, then became chairwoman in 1992.
Ms Rosson was the first woman to be elected president of Local Government New Zealand.
Over the years she was appointed to the board of NZ on Air, was a justice of the peace and won a seat on the Otago District Health Board, which later became the Southern District Health Board.
In 2004 she was made a member of the Queen’s Service Order for community service.
Son Rhys Tilyard said she was "such a great woman".
She was a busy, caring woman who only slowed down in her later years.
It was a "really hard moment" for the family, he said.
Ms Rosson died on December 28 at Ross Home and Hospital in Dunedin.
A service will be held at 11am today at Hope and Sons Chapel in Dunedin.
An obituary will follow.
