Rosalie Ann Rohm-Sparzo

Rosalie Rohm-Sparzo passed away from natural causes at her home in Naples, FL on May 17, 2023. Rosalie leaves behind her son, Jason Higgs (Dana Bracken Higgs); her brother, Jerry Rohm (Julie); her niece, Chelle VanWassenhove, and Chelle’s son Carson; her nephew, Pete Rohm; her five step-children, Lori Sparzo (Matt Lawson), Melissa Elliott (Ron Elliott), Darrel Sparzo (Peggy Driscol), John Sparzo (Amanda Sparzo), Andrea Blomquist (Jason Blomquist); and 13 step- grand children. Rosalie was predeceased by her husband, Frank J Sparzo; her parents, Marion and Nina Rohm; her brother, Jim Rohm; and her sister, Mary Beth Rohm.

Rosalie Ann Rohm was born in Cromwell, Indiana. She grew up on a farm in a small community, where her mother was both a nurse and a beloved school teacher. After high school, Rosalie attended Ball State University, and as an undergraduate in Honors college was named outstanding student of the year by three separate departments: Sociology, English, and Psychology. She went on to achieve a Doctorate in Educational Psychology, as well as an additional degree in nursing. Like her mother, son, and husband, Rosalie spent most of her career teaching-first at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, then at Marian College in Indianapolis, and later for Ball State’s Teachers College.

Rosalie was a sociable, outgoing, and optimistic person, and she found joy in being friendly to others. She had a wonderful laugh, a good sense of humor, and a joyful smile. She was smart, could be opinionated at times, and liked to make her own decisions and live life on her terms. She was a Master Gardener, and in her younger years, the yard was always beautifully planted with a variety of flowers. One of the things she loved about Naples, FL was the cheerful year-round flowering plants.

Rosalie was a devoted wife and partner to her late husband, Frank Sparzo, for over 35 years. They met through a shared passion in behavioral psychology at BSU. Outside of their careers, Rosalie enjoyed hearing Frank play jazz piano around the house daily, and they both also loved experiencing local live jazz and piano performances. They also enjoyed traveling, and spent many happy times exploring places as far as England and Australia. During their later years, Rosalie and Frank split their time between Fishers, Indiana, Annapolis, Maryland and Naples, Florida. Always friendly and welcoming, Rosalie cherished many friends they met in all these places. Frank passed in 2021, and his loss was something she never quite got over.

Rosalie’s laughter, humor, and warm smile will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but remembered fondly in our hearts. We are very sad to see her go, but know she is at peace.

A private memorial service will be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or the Naples Botanical Garden- lovely places she visited and enjoyed.