Lorraine R. "Lonnie" Hollen's Obituary
Lorraine (Lonnie) Rooks Hollen, (84) of Clearwater, FL, passed away November 21, 2015 of complications from cancer of the esophagus. Lonnie was born in Cambridge, MA, on May 28, 1931 to William A. Rooks and Lorraine Riley Rooks. Her father was a career US Army officer, and she grew up in the Washington, DC area.
Lonnie loved learning, and was an educator for over forty years, initially at a Catholic grade school and later in public high school. She remained active in her high school, Holy Cross Academy, as well as her college alumnae organization from Dunbarton College, (DC), where she earned her degree in English. She would later continue her education at the University of Maryland.
Lonnie delighted in music, participating in local community theater and musicals and singing with her husband in the church choir. She encouraged all her children to become active in music and the arts and reveled in their achievements.
Lonnie loved good government, serving as an election supervisor and judge, board of elections member and also a White House volunteer for many years. She was an active member of Chevy Chase Republican Women's Club and the children's charities they supported. Lonnie was involved in the Massachusetts State Society, serving as a Board of Trustees member for over 25 years and as the organization’s President.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of almost 50 years, Kent D Hollen, (Major-USMC-ret.) with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by her children: son, Greg Hollen, of Mineola, TX, three daughters, Marilynn Hale of Arlington, Dana Hollen-Taylor of Buffalo, NY, and Lorraine Cary of Atlanta, GA, as well as five grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Bill Rooks and sister, Joan Marie Rooks, as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Interment services will be February 9th, 2016 at the Arlington National Cemetery at 2:45 p.m. in the chapel. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be considered for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760-9962.
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