Rosalee R. Hanson

Rosalee R. Hanson, 84, of Punta Gorda, FL, after a long battle with numerous health issues, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 21, 2011. Her family and friends all have comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace, and she has joined her husband of over 48 years, Robert R. Hanson, in heaven. Rosalee was born on July 22, 1926 to Rose and Joseph Restivo in Freeman Spur (village), Illinois, but spent the majority of her life in South Florida in both Miami and Punta Gorda. Rosalee grew up in that small southern Illinois town with her three sisters, Beverly Williamson, Phyllis Levin and Marie Pirrello. She graduated from Southern Illinois University and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Education in only three years. She immediately started her life long career in the field of education. She was a high school teacher in both Illinois and Florida for 36 years and touched the lives of countless students that were lucky enough to cross her path. Rosalee enjoyed many hobbies including the cultivation of her awesome collection of exotic staghorn ferns and plants that she kept at her home in Miami, and her love of Italian cooking and her many travels. She also had a flair for art that was shown in her many oil paintings. Rosalee has many close friends who will remember the love and warm relationships that they shared.

Rosalee is survived by her son, John Scott Hanson of Duluth, GA; daughter Kim Frederking of Newnan, GA; and four grandchildren, Carter Ellis Hanson, Zoe Sophia Hanson, Amanda Frederking and Emma Rose Frederking. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert who passed away, January 14, 2011, her parents, Rose and Joseph Restivo; brother, Joseph Restivo, Jr.; and by her first husband, Charles Marcinak.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A committal graveside service will follow at Indian Springs Cemetery.