Lake Worth, FL – Elma Kathryn (Hall) Hooks, 95, of Lake Worth, FL, more recently of Westborough, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Katie, as she was known by family and friends, was born on November 12, 1928, in Samson, AL, to Ernest and Ethel Hall. She was raised in Green Cove Springs, FL. In 1945, she married her knight in shining armor, naval officer William “Joe” Hooks in St. Augustine, FL after meeting him on a dare from friends. Katie raised five children before pursuing her own career. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the age of 52.
Katie had a career as a hospital business office manager before retiring to run her husband’s propane gas business after he became ill. In their later life, she and Joe traveled the world with their son, Bill. After retiring, she volunteered at the information desks of JFK Hospital and Palm Beach International Airport and was active in her church’s Council of Catholic Women.
The most important thing to Katie was her family. She was the hub – hosting holiday gatherings, sitting on sidelines, making trips to visit those out of town, and having epic sleepovers. Her family grew over the years in many ways, and she embraced it all. In fact, Katie lived a life of acceptance and unconditional love – a legacy her loved ones can only hope to replicate. She was the best Mom, and Nana. And a pretty good shopper too! Katie loved her clothes.
Katie was predeceased by her husband, William “Joe” Hooks, two sons, William Joseph Hooks II and Robert Stephen Hooks, her parents, Ernest and Ethel Hall, her three siblings (Ernest Hall, Nell Collins, and Polly Gonyon), and her daughter-in-law Maureen Atkinson. She is survived by her sons, Hal Hooks (Janice) of Imlay City, MI, and Terry Hooks of Brady, MT, daughter, Pamela Hooks Sager of Westborough, MA, eight grandchildren (Carrie, Aaron, Bobby, Erin, Faith, Ashley, Arielle, and Rebekah) and fourteen great-grandchildren (Griffin, Tucker, Brionna, Gage, Jillian, Alexis, Yazlin, Lincoln, Kellen, Louis, Dominic, Rocco, Simon, and Nicolas). She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends who feel like family.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Whitney Place for their care during her last few years of life and especially her Salmon Hospice team who treated her with love, respect, and dignity and provided her family with comforting support until the end.
Calling hours will take place at Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, MA on Thursday, December 7 from 4-6pm, with additional calling hours, a Catholic funeral mass, and interment the following week in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Inc., a children’s mental health nonprofit of which her daughter, Pam, is the Executive Director (www.ppal.net) or the charity of your choice.
