NORWICH – Elizabeth (Betty) Ostrom Hoke, 75, died peacefully at her home in Merrimack, N.H. on Sept. 24, 2010 after a prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death.
She was born Feb. 3, 1935 in Norwich, the daughter of the late Lester W. Ostrom Sr. and Beulah Misner. Betty graduated from Norwich High School. On Nov. 20, 1953, she married Leo T. Hoke and they lived in the Norwich area until moving to New Hampshire in 1971.
Betty had a varied career, working at Sidney Bank, Christman Motors, and Beneficial Finance while living in New York. After moving to New Hampshire she worked at Matthew Thornton Health Plan and Indian Head Bank. She ultimately retired from Indian Head Bank (Fleet Bank) in 1990 after working many years as a branch manager and policy writer. She and Leo enjoyed their summer home in Wells Beach, Maine, making many friends along the way. Betty was also a passionate collector of Christmas ornaments; the more unique the better. They amassed an amazing collection of ornaments and spent untold hours decorating their home and always enjoyed having multiple Christmas trees throughout the holiday season. She will surely be missed by all who knew her for her loving ways and keen sense of wit.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Leo Hoke; her daughters, Betsy Greeley and husband John of Norwich, Patti Hoke of Merrimack, N.H., Heidi Spaulding and husband Andrew of Hudson, N.H.; grandsons, Tracy Greeley and his fiancé Jessica Bizarro of Manhattan, Nathaniel Spaulding and his longtime girlfriend Nancy Merlino of Hudson, N.H., and Zachary Spaulding of Hudson, N.H. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Alice Ostrom of Norwich, brother-in law Howard D. Hoke and wife Ethel of Mt. Upton, along with many nieces and nephews.
Betty was also predeceased by her brothers, Theodore Ostrom and Lester Ostrom Jr; her daughter Holly Stetson and her granddaughter Mary Greeley Michaels.
The memorial calling hours were held at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, N.H. on Sunday with the family receiving friends at 1p.m. and a memorial service followed at 2.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Palliative Care, a division of Home Health & Hospice Care, 22 Prospect Street, Nashua, NH 03060.