Rosalie Marie VanHook April 29, 1938 – March 22, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Rosalie Marie (Valerine) VanHook, age 80, passed away at 1:45 am, March 22, 2019 at her home in Leesburg, FL. Rosie was born Apr. 29, 1938, in Clinton, IN, 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, IN 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 they 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, IN.
At Sweitzer, she served as administrative assistant and purchasing agent. While residing in Lebanon, Rosie was a very active member of Tri Kappa, 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 Tri Kappa. 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, playing golf, and 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 a 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 of New Palestine, IN; sister-in-law, Mrs. Judy Massey of Hudson, WI; brother-in-law, Norman VanHook of Leesburg, FL; sister-in-law, Mrs. John (Sue) Randle of Cloverdale, IN; and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Services will be held in Florida and Indiana. Services in Florida will be Mar.
28, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Community Methodist Church in Fruitland Park, FL, with visitation from 10:30 am to 11 am. Services in Lebanon, IN will be held at Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon, on Mon. , Apr.
1, 2019, at 12 noon, with visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. A Tri Kappa ceremony will also be held during funeral services. Burial will be at Lincoln Memory Gardens where private 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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