Mrs. Rosa Lee Ondich

Rosa Lee Ondich, 99, a long-time resident of Zellwood, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024.

Rosa Lee was a homemaker and beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and is survived by James Philip Hale, son, Willcox Arizona, Janet Lee Ondich, daughter, Maitland, FL, Kevin Korb, grandson, Orlando FL, Megan Ford, granddaughter, Daytona Beach FL, and 2 great granddaughters and predeceased by Donna Lousie Korb, daughter, in 2022 and sister Bettye Wilson/Bowles in 2015.

Rosa Lee was born January 18, 1925, in Pee Dee, North Carolina to parents Curry and Martha Wilson. She grew up in Leesburg, FL, where she took piano and organ lessons for many years and played for several churches. She graduated from Leesburg High School, and then Florida Southern College with a BS in Business and Home Economics. After college, Rosa Lee worked for the State Department of Welfare. In 1950 she married Jack Hale, and had a son, James Philip, in 1951 and a daughter, Donna Louise, in 1952. In 1958, Rosa Lee re-married to Michael Ondich Jr. and moved to Zellwood, where she helped to manage the Holly Arms hotel owned by husband Michael until its sale in the early 70’s. She remained in Zellwood after her husband Michael passed in 1987.

Rosa Lee joined the Faith Lutheran church in Eustis in 1959, where husband Michael attended, and was a life-long member. She was a member of several clubs/organizations until she was well into her 90’s and her health no longer permitted it. She joined the Zellwood Garden Club in 1973 and was an active member, performing various roles as President, Secretary, and Treasurer throughout the years as well as chairing the Christmas raffle and decorating the Post Office for the Christmas holidays. She was an active member of the Zellwood Community Center and on the Board, helping with rummage sales. She was a member of the Zellwood Historical Society and Museum, where she donated several items from the Holly Arms Hotel. She enjoyed giving back to the community.

Rosa Lee was an avid Orlando Magic fan for more than 25 years, and while she only attended several games with the help of a special friend, Harriett, she rarely missed watching them on TV, even choosing their games over Dancing with the Stars. She also enjoyed making crafts, particularly for the holidays.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

For anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Rosa Lee, the family suggests considering the Zellwood Historical Museum and Library (407-703-7440, however, limited hours open so leave voice mail if no one answers) or the Faith Lutheran Church of Eustis.