Rosalie Marie VanHook's Obituary
Rosalie Marie (Valerine) VanHook, age 80, passed away at 1:45 am, March 22, 2019 at her home in Leesburg, Florida. Rosie was born April 29, 1938 in Clinton, Indiana, where her grandparents settled as immigrants from Northern Italy. Clinton became known as the “Little Italy” of Indiana. Her family managed a gourmet grocery shop in Clinton and then moved to Lebanon, Indiana in 1950 and opened the well-known “Valerine’s Market” where Rosie and her sister could often be found stocking shelves, serving as cashiers, taking orders, or attending to the needs of customers. Rosie is a graduate of Lebanon High School and Indiana Central Business College. She married James E. VanHook in 1957 and lived in Seattle from 1957-1959 during which time Jim served in the United States Army. Rosie and Jim returned to Lebanon where there resided for many years. Rosie worked at Harmon’s Insurance in Lebanon and also worked for many years at Sweitzer family business in Indianapolis, Anderson, and Noblesville, Indiana. At Sweitzer, she served as administrative assistant and purchasing agent. While residing in Lebanon, Rosie was a very active member of TriKappa which is a women’s philanthropic organization with chapters throughout Indiana. The organization provides numerous state scholarships, funds the fine arts, mental health programs, and supported James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Rosie volunteered extensively for TriKappa. She served 2 terms as both President and Vice President as well as a Board member. She was known for her wonderful operatic-like voice singing at initiations and ceremonies and especially singing “Ave Maria.” Rosie and Jim moved to Florida in 1999 and quickly integrated into the life styles and activities of the “Sunshine State.” Rosie enjoyed boating with friends and playing golf, participating in the “Nine and Dine” with Jim and friends. She also loved her women’s weekly card game club. They were quite the card sharks! At any time and for everyone, Rosie was always willing to lend a helping hand and support others whenever needed. She was loving wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and “adoptive” mom, aunt, and grandma to many. Rosie was always kind and joyful in her endeavors, yet not afraid to speak her mind when needed. Perhaps most of all, Rosie loved just being with family, friends, and those she loved. Rosie was preceded in death by Jim “Hooky” VanHook her loving husband of 54 years, son Michael Edward, and parents Agnes and Dominic Valerine. Surviving are her sister Mrs. Joseph (Anita) Snodgrass, New Palestine, Indiana; sister-in-law Mrs. Judy Massey, Hudson, Wisconsin; brother-in-law Norman VanHook, Leesburg, Florida; sister-in-law Mrs. John (Sue) Randle, Cloverdale, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Services will be held in Florida and Indiana. Services in Florida will be at 11:00 am at the Community United Methodist Church in Fruitland Park, Florida with visitation from 10:30 am to 11 am. Services in Lebanon, Indiana will be held at Strawmyer and Drury Funeral Home at 12 noon, Monday, April 1, 2019 with visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. TriKappa ceremony will also be held during funeral services. Burial will be at Lincoln Memory Gardens where graveside services will be conducted for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family may share thoughts and memories in guest books at www.paigetheisfuneralhome.com or www.strawmyerdrury.com
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