Constance Bennett Van Hook

Constance Van Hook, 84, Teacher

LAKE WALES -- Mrs. Constance Van Hook of Lake Wales taught history after serving as a physical therapist during World War II.

Mrs. Van Hook died of respiratory failure Friday (Oct. 14, 2005) at Winter Haven Hospital. She was 84.

Born Jan. 19, 1921, in Bartow, Mrs. Van Hook lived in the Lake Wales area her entire life.

After her graduation from Stetson University, Mrs. Van Hook joined the Women's Army Corps and applied to the Army's physical therapy school. The application was eventually accepted while she traveled the country working clerical jobs for the military.

Mrs. Van Hook served in a Berlin hospital after World War II. It was there she met her husband. The two married in Germany shortly before she retired as a captain and returned to Lake Wales.

Her son, Samuel Van Hook of Babson Park, said Mrs. Van Hook will be remembered for her historical knowledge of Lake Wales.

"She always participated with the Polk County Historical Society, and in 2001 she received the Pioneer Citizen of the Year Award," he said.

Mrs. Van Hook shared her knowledge in the history classes she taught at Lake Wales Junior High School.

"She was very patriotic and very proud of her service," her son said.

Mrs. Van Hook attended Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where she joined the Altar Guild and worked in the thrift shop. She coached the Lake Wales Junior High School Golf Team and served as president of the Lake Wales Ladies Golf Association. She joined the WAC Veterans Association as a charter member. She volunteered at Bok Tower.

Mrs. Van Hook was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel M. Van Hook. She is survived by her sons, Samuel M. Van Hook, Babson Park, Robert B. Van Hook, Thomasville, Ga., R. Keith Van Hook, Lake Wales; eight grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sheriff Youth Ranches.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Lake Wales.