Rose Marie Hoy

Rose Marie Hoy, nee Santucci, 99, of Swansea, IL, born Monday, December 31, 1923, in Windber, PA, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in
Belleville.

Rose attended Windber High School and upon graduation completed her collegiate work at Indiana State University of PA. She completed 4 years of school in 2.5 to help support the workforce amidst World War II. After graduating with her degree, Rose taught at Bellefonte High School. It was there she met her husband Donald S. Hoy.

They were married on October 18, 1945. Her working life continued as a piano teacher and an executive secretary for 30 years. After her husband’s retirement, they moved to a country home in Wellsboro, PA. She became an active member in the Methodist Church, a piano player in a bluegrass band, and sang in the choir. Rose also dedicated her time to volunteering regularly at the hospital where her warmth and kindness brought comfort to so many.

Years after her husband’s passing, she chose to move closer to her family in Swansea, IL. Soon after her arrival, she joined St. Paul UCC in Belleville, IL. Rose continued her selfless volunteering by playing the piano at Rosewood/Mercy Rehab and Care Center every Tuesday morning. Her gift of playing beautiful music was something she loved to share not only with the nursing home and Sunday School students, but also her family. Annual Christmas carols were a favorite by all. As the matriarch of the family, Rose modeled the importance of love and kindness. She made an impact on everyone she met with her warm hugs and bright smile. There was a light she brought to every room she entered.

Rose was preceded in death by her:

• Husband: Donald S. Hoy
• Parents: Ludwig and Silvia, nee Casciotti, Santucci
• Brothers
  • August S. Fontaine
  • Herbert Santucci
• Nephews
  • Mark Hoy
  • Blair Hoy

Surviving are her:

• Daughters
  • Debra (Robert) Felt of Fayetteville, GA
  • Sandra (Andrew) Kramer of Belleville, IL
• Grandchildren
  • Lisa (Nathan) Glass of Kennesaw, GA
  • Robert Felt, Jr. of Fayetteville, GA
  • Lauren (Adam) Arriola of Wildwood, MO
  • Jenna (Travers) Smith of Troy, IL
• Great-grandchildren
  • Mila Arriola
  • Charlotte Arriola
  • Liam Smith
  • Lochlan Smith
  • Lennon Smith
• Dear nieces

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Paul U.C.C. – Music Fund

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at St. Paul U.C.C., with Pastor Michelle Torrigian officiating. Private family interment at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon, PA.