I had just turned 2 years old in late 2001 when we moved to Freehold, just a few houses away from Bill & Lonnie. I am so blessed to have grown up knowing both of them. They have always treated my siblings and I as if we were their own kids (we can even call them Uncle Bill and Aunt Lonnie).
Lonnie always had a smile, a contagious laugh, and a great sense of humor. She loved her family and especially loved talking about her grandchildren. She was SO PROUD of Kyle and Connor, and they came up in almost every conversation we had.
Anyone who knew her knows how much she valued her Catholic faith. When Lonnie was a parishioner and Bereavement Minister at St. Rose of Lima, I served countless funerals for her and saw how much she valued helping families who were grieving the loss of a loved one. She did it with love and warmth, which is how she did everything.
Lonnie also loved to cook and bake, and it is impossible for me to not mention that. Anytime one of us would be outside helping Bill do some work in the yard, Lonnie always made sure we were well taken care of and that we took a break with Bill to have some lunch. When we were shoveling the driveway in the winter, she’d come into the garage with hot chocolate and cookies for everyone. When she came to our family gatherings, she always made something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Lonnie simply loved life, and all of us in the Rocco & Hopkins families loved her so much. She will always be part of our family, and we will never forget her. Our hearts break for Bill and the entire Harms Family. You know that you are part of our family, and we will always be here for whatever you need.
I know that Lonnie was quickly embraced in the loving arms of Jesus and is reunited again with her parents and son. We will all miss her very, very much!
