Amalia "Laurie" Viloria (Vasu) Hoke

     Amalia Viloria Hoke (née Vasu), best known as Laurie, passed away peacefully at her home at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon on May 15, 2023, at the age of 96.  Laurie was born in Cleveland on July 29, 1926, eldest daughter of the late John and Elvira (nee Pura) John Vasu.
     She graduated from West High School in Cleveland, and Flora Stone Mather College (now Case Western Reserve University) with a liberal arts degree. She attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School until her studies were interrupted by the birth of her first child.

     A passionate community leader and advocate, Laurie tirelessly promoted the arts and education, accessibility to quality healthcare, and the preservation of historic landmarks in Lorain.  She was instrumental in establishing the YWCA and the YMCA in Lorain, and she served as President of both institutions. Laurie was the co-founder, along with Mrs. Ruth Calta and Mrs. June Steen, in creating the Lorain Community Hospital, and she served on the hospital’s Board for many years. Laurie also served on the Board of the Cleveland Ballet, the Board of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, and the Capital Campaign Committee for the Lorain Carnegie Library. She was also recognized as the State of Ohio’s Woman of Service of the Year. She served in many other voluntary capacities, receiving numerous awards and recognitions.

     Later in life, Laurie sponsored local children's trips to experience Cleveland Orchestra concerts. She and her husband George H Hoke have a theater at Lorain County Community College honoring their community involvement. In addition, Laurie was very active in the renovation of the Lorain Palace Theater. After Dr. Hoke’s retirement, they spent seventeen years wintering in San Antonio, Texas where Dr. Hoke had formerly served in the army. 

     Laurie was very proud of her family and will be deeply missed by each of them as well as her many friends.  She is survived by a daughter Victoria H. Lane of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a son Martin R. (Maria) Hoke of Lakewood, and grandchildren, Elizabeth (Celine) Hoke, Christopher Hoke, Lauryl (Samuel) Lane-Threadgill, Alyssa (Stephen) Jordan, Gabriel (Christina) Lane, Olivia (Josh Berman) Lane, Rose (Steve Ahearn) Lane, John Lane, Maggie (David) Lepine, great grandchildren, Laria, Aiden, Oakleigh, Brioney, Ethan, Elijah, Eden, and Luke, with another great grandson on the way.  Laurie is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George H. Hoke, a grandson Peter H. Hoke, and her sister, Virginia Popovich.

     A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for Friday, July 28, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Elyria Country Club, located at 41625 Oberlin Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035.  A reception will be held after the service. The Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.boyercool.com.  Her family would appreciate contributions in Laurie’s memory at the Lorain Historical Society, 329 W. 10th St., Lorain, OH 44052.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Amalia "Laurie" Viloria (Vasu) Hoke, please visit our floral store.