Lonie Helen Rosekelly

Lonie Helen Schiel Rosekelly–sailor, wife, mother, avid crafter, and Band Mom- passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2022 at the age of 61. Lonie was born in Oregon City in 1961 to
the late Dolly (Walton) Schiel Frank, and was raised by Kenneth Frank. She was the textbook middle sibling to her sisters Denise and Karen. She shared the same birthday with both her
father and younger sister Karen (who was often reminded that she was a birthday gift that could be returned). As a Navy Brat that moved around, Lonie made friends wherever she went and
that was a talent that served her well her whole life. It came in handy during her high school years on Whidbey Island, where she found plenty of mischief that made for some entertaining
stories (ask her sister Karen). Keeping with family tradition, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982 in order to see the world, only to be stationed in Norfolk, VA. During her time in the Navy she was the first woman assigned to a Special Warfare Special Boat Unit in a non administrative role. Lonie had an impeccable service record, including earning Sailor of the Quarter at every duty station and an Expert Rifle Medal. Thanks to some SEALS (the people) almost sinking a boat one particularly cold night, Lonie met her husband Jim Rosekelly. When you ask Jim about that night, he likens it to the sirens calling to Ulysses in the Odyssey. Jim and Lonie were married in 1985, and have three children--Geoffrey, Catherine, and Michael. Her sons followed in her footsteps and
joined/were sold to the United States Marine Corps. Catherine boldly chose a different path by pursuing a future in academia, and her choice was a source of great pride for Lonie. Lonie loved her family fiercely, and being a mom to those three provided her with endless joy and frustration because let’s be honest, the three Rosekelly children gave her a run for her money. She made sure her children had plenty of opportunities to build character, and spent most her life volunteering for everything under the sun. She was a resourceful Scout leader for all three of her children, braving many camping trips and selling record numbers of Girl Scout cookies. Lonie diligently planned the annual Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church, DeLand for many years, often enlisting the help of her children and their friends (against their will.) As a fearless and beloved Band Mom, Lonie kept the DeLand High Marching Bulldogs in line for years (figuratively and literally) and earned the title of Mama Rosekelly. She was proud of her military service, and prouder still of being the adopted mom to dozens of miscreants and street urchins she found along the way in her volunteer work. Lonie’s legacy will live on in her three children, her soon to arrive granddaughter, Eleanore (who is already the favorite) and all of the lives she touched through her years of service to her country and community. Her wicked sense of humor, her love for 70’s pop music, and her perfect french toast will be missed. We wish you fair winds, and following seas.

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