Rosemary Blake

Rosemary “Cookie” Blake passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2025.

She was born in Queens, New York to the late Nick and Louise Arpino, and later Helen Arpino McKenzie; she moved to South Florida in 1969. Cookie was a resident of Lake Wales for over 40 years, during that time she was an active parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Cookie taught catechism classes for several years and was a member of different groups within the church. She also volunteered with the Lake Wales Care Center where she taught the adult literacy program and the English as a second language class. Cookie enjoyed reading, gardening, watching birds in her backyard oasis, and spending time with her friends. She loved flowers, particularly her orchids. Cookie had a special love for animals and had many pets, including her beloved dogs Roxy and Charlie Brown.

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Louise Arpino; sisters, Joann and Cathy; and brother, Warren. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Marvin “Denny” Blake; children, Tony Wilson and wife Brenda, April Hoyt and husband Wes, Melissa Wilson and husband Steven Desroches, Chris Wilson and wife Elaine; ten grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Beyert and husband Ted “Cheese”; brother, John Wolfe and wife Desi; and many other family members and friends.

A memorial mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Luis Osorio officiating. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.