Oldest Living 'Rose Queen' Dies At 102: Her Life, Celebrated

PASADENA, CA — The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation announced the passing of 1940's Rose Queen Margaret Jayne Huntley Main, who passed away on November 24, 2023, at 102.

"As the revered longest-living Rose Queen, her legacy shines as a testament to the Rose Court tradition and her unwavering dedication to the Tournament of Roses," a spokesperson for the foundation shared on its website.

"Margaret watched her first Rose Parade at age five, paying particular attention to the 1926 Rose Queen and future Miss America Fay Lanphier. She was a student at Pasadena City College in 1939 when the Pasadena Tournament of Roses chose her as the 1940 Rose Queen.

"Margaret lived to be the vintage queen – the oldest Rose Queen in Tournament of Roses history. She rode in the Rose Parade several times as a rider on the annual Kodak float built for past Rose Queens, and in 2009, she rode on the City of Roseville, CA float. Margaret established the Queens' Alumni Association and attended the Rose Queen Announcement and Coronation ceremony and the annual Rose Queens Luncheon until she retired from travel in 2019. She met every Rose Queen, from the first, Hallie Woods, who presided during the 1905 Rose Parade, to 2020 Rose Queen Camille Kennedy, the 102nd Rose Queen."

In 2022, The Tournament of Roses honored Main with a 100th birthday party in the NorCal town of Auburn, Calif., near Sacramento. Then, the Tournament of Roses President Robert Miller and his wife Barbara. They brought her the original 1940 Swarovski crystal crown she wore many years ago for one last fitting. That crown is now on display in Tournament House.

"Margaret's final correspondence was to congratulate the 2024 Rose Queen Naomi Stillitano following her coronation in October," according to the news release.

"Rose Queen Margaret Jayne Huntley Main, a timeless symbol of grace, will forever adorn the history of the Rose Parade.

"Margaret Main was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Main, and daughter, Linda Main Hack. She is survived by her sister Alyce Main Levy, sons John Main of Boulder City, NV, Martin Main of Grass Valley, CA, and daughter Sandra Main of Auburn, CA. Grandchildren are Michelle Hack McCalmont, Melodie Hack, Jennifer Main, Susan Main Paquette, Pharoan Johnson, Toni Main, and Michael Main. Great grandchildren are Melinda McCalmont, Cayman and Cambria Johnson, Annika, and Kaden Main, and Taylor, Brooke, Hunter, and Wyatt Main."