Elaine J. Rose, a Northern California construction industry leader who promoted vocational education in schools, died Friday. She was 61.
The cause was a heart attack, said her daughter, Alisa Mueller.
Mrs. Rose rose from a bookkeeping position to lead trade groups in the construction industry. She was executive vice president of the Associated Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors of Sacramento, which represents companies that hire union employees. She also was executive vice president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Sacramento Valley Chapter, with member businesses in 18 counties.
As the top staff member for both groups, she represented contractors in labor talks and worked with elected officials to promote cooperation between local government and industry. She served on the boards of apprenticeship training schools for the plumbing and air-conditioning industries and was a member of the California Coalition for Construction in the Classroom, which promotes vocational courses in schools.
"Vocational education was a priority for my mother," Mueller said. "Not everyone goes to college. She wanted to prepare the kids and make sure they're aware that there are good, high-paying jobs in the community in construction."
Mrs. Rose succeeded in a male-dominated industry through hard work and perseverance, her family and colleagues said. Working as a bookkeeper for the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors of California, she took over planning the group's meetings and conventions. She was hired for the top job at the Associated Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors in 1989 and joined the sheet metal and air conditioning contractors several years ago.
"She never had a problem and was able to mix it up with contractors, union plumbers, anybody," APMC President Larry Cook said. "She was small in stature but head and shoulders above anyone in running things. She was so organized, it was unbelievable."
Elaine June Presto was born in 1946 in Stockton. She was the only child of a homemaker mother and a father who worked in grocery stores and a foundry. She graduated from Stagg High School in Stockton and studied for a year at San Joaquin Delta College before marrying David Rose in 1965.
Mrs. Rose was a member of the North Sacramento Rotary Club, the Toastmasters Club, the California Society of Association Executives and the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials. She served on the board of the Pipe Trades Trust Fund.
She was an effective leader and a warm, caring woman who made many friends among contractors, union leaders and local officials, friends and colleagues said. She enjoyed playing golf, camping at Sly Park and Jackson Meadows reservoirs and motor-home vacations.
"Elaine was a very loving, kind and generous person," said Freida Cleverley, a friend and former employee. "Whenever you walked into the room, you got a hug." | 
