Rosemarie Van Blyenburgh

Rosemarie was born July 9, 1928 in Lakewood, Ohio to the late John & Teresa (Hollis) Chokan. She attended Lakewood High School, furthering her education with an undergraduate from Hillsdale College and a Master’s from Case Western Reserve. Rosemarie’s career as an elementary school teacher in Michigan and Berea, Ohio spanned over three decades. She was a Jennings Scholar, recognized in Who’s Who of American Teachers and the founder of Etymology Experts. Her memberships included the Lakewood Historical Society, Lakewood Garden Club, Great Lakes Shakespeare Society, and the English Speaking Union. She was past president of the Cleveland Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma and involved in Cleveland Playhouse and supporter of the Cleveland Opera. Her travels included the maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth 2 on May 2, 1969 and she traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States.

She is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Craig) Howells; grandchildren Van Alan Howells and Summer Rose Howells; sister Dorothy (Elwin) Morse and brother Richard Chokan; nieces and nephews Holly Hill, Barney Morse and Stephan Morse and numerous other extended family members.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers John and Elmer (Jean) Chokan; sisters Mary Ann Chokan and Elynor Baird.

Visitation will begin Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 4PM at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna until the time of the service at 6PM. Burial will take place at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, Ohio on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 1PM. Celebration of Life to follow interment at Burntwood Tavern from 2pm - 4pm, 19304 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116; Phone (440) 333-6700. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale College in Rosemarie’s name at www.hillsdale.edu.