Laraine Rolnick passed away on Sunday, January 3rd, shortly after her 71st birthday.
She is survived by her four children: Nancy Herbert, Adam Rolnick, Fred Rolnick and Marc Rolnick as well as 11 grandkids and 4 great grandchildren.
Laraine Rolnick was born in the Bronx, NY on 12-27-44. She was one of two children. Bruce Lipman is her brother. She was lucky enough to be married her high school sweetheart, David, for 48 years. Not long after marrying, Laraine and David, moved to Arizona in 1977, where soon after she found herself in Cosmetology school, eventually becoming an instructor. Her daughter even attended classes under her in the 80’s. Laraine stayed with this career for many years until one year, for Halloween, she decided to dress as a correctional officer. She wore her husband’s uniform that day. She loved how it felt and made her feel important and powerful so she decided she wanted a change in careers. She and her husband David, as well as her son Marc, worked for DOC for many years.
Laraine was proud of all four of her children. She loved that both Fred and Adam entered into the military as David had. She was especially close to Marc. They spoke often, even after he moved away. Her love for all of her kids was shown in most everything she did or said.
Laraine and David both enjoyed spending their days surrounded by grandchildren. Ashlee practically lived with them through her younger years. Throughout the years they had many 4 legged companions they treated like their own children. Animals were an important part in both their lives. Elvis Presley was important in Laraine’s life as well! She knew every song, movie, and any fact about him. She had pictures of him everywhere as well as anything else Elvis she could get her hands on, including mugs, watches, dolls and more. Laraine also spent time crocheting, going to local casinos, and enjoyed watching figure skating.
After David passed away in 2010, she began volunteering at the nearby child crisis center, eventually becoming head volunteer at Tiny Tots. She was always talking about the children there and how much they meant to her. She always referred to them as “her kids.”
She also became close with her neighbor Charlotte, across the way. They would play Mah Jong and have talks outside while drinking her famous coffee.
Laraine was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2015. She was ready to fight it and fight it hard, but in the end, she lost the battle to lung cancer on January 3rd. She had many visitors that day. We would now like to think of her as reunified with her sweetheart and looking down on all of her children, grandkids, great grandkids, and those she thought of as family. Laraine is gone but not forgotten and lives on in the hearts of her family and friends she has been a part of.
The visitation for Mrs. Lorane Rolnick will be Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 12:30 until 1:30 at Mountain View Funeral Home 7900 East Main Street, Mesa AZ 85207 with Funeral Service to follow at 1:30 pm
Burial will take place in Mountain View Memorial Garden immediately after service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Children Crisis Center, 604 West 9th Street Mesa AZ 85201
San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home, Queen Creek AZ is providing excellent care.