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The Story

JoEllen Hook Moline passed away from pulmonary fibrosis on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the age of 82. She hated her legal middle name “Beulah” so it won’t be mentioned here. She is survived by her husband of 58.9 years, Robert (Bob); her brother, Stephen (Steve) Hook, DDS; her children, Brenda Chan and Eric Moline; and her grandchildren, Heather Moline, Casey Chan, and Jody Chan. She is predeceased by her parents, Harold (Hal) and Geraldine Hook; and her sister, Linda Chamberlain, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Born in Rochester, NY on July 27, 1933, JoEllen graduated from San Bernardino High School. She went on to graduate from the Eastman (NY) Dental Dispensary and worked as an RDH over a five-decade-long period. Note that all the Hook siblings were or are into teeth.

JoEllen and Bob were high-school classmates, were briefly introduced at their five-year high-school reunion, and pretty much became an item when she picked him up (or versey-visa) at a tavern in Crestline on Labor Day weekend, 1955. They were married in December 1956.

While raising her children with Bob in San Bernardino, CA; Covina, CA; Park Forest, IL; and Mamaroneck, NY from 1958-1970, many things happened. The family then moved to Santa Monica in August, 1970. While she continued as a part-time RDH and as a full-time Mom, it was in Santa Monica that JoEllen became impassioned with visual art. Over several years, she worked her way through the Santa Monica College Art Department’s entire course offering. A simple way to describe her experience: she tried almost everything Picasso did, except sculpture. But Picasso didn’t do calligraphy, and we might find some sculpture in the house! We all got to see her learn free drawing, charcoal- and pastel drawing, oil- and acrylic painting, ceramics and pottery, pen and ink drawing, lithography, silk screening, rubber stamp art, black-and-white photography, calligraphy, and many more. She did not take to house painting, however, even though that would have given the public much more exposure to her work.

Calligraphy kindled a rest-of-her-lifelong passion. She has pieces on public display in Los Angeles, at the homes of friends in Southern California, and a trove of treasures to discover in her home in Santa Monica. She was a member of the Society for Calligraphy for decades and prepared their newsletter for 17 years, an onerous task she attacked with passion. Two times not to try interacting with JoEllen: 1) when she was “doing bulletin,” and 2) when she was learning a new font.

Although she died unexpectedly from complications of pulmonary fibrosis, JoEllen fought hard (she was a tough woman: hard to break!) and took part in her medical decisions to the very end. She was surrounded by family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions in her name be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one) or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service for family, friends, and neighbors is planned for early December.