Rose Ann Hoof has called King-Bruwaert House (K-B House) senior living community in Hinsdale/Burr Ridge, her home for many years In that time she has become known for her creativity, generosity, and ability to bring people together. Whether through art, knitting, or community outreach, Rose Ann has a gift for lifting others up and leaving a lasting mark.
Launching the Lorraine Project
Last week, Rose Ann and her fellow residents and staff kicked off one of their favorite annual traditions: the Lorraine Project. Each fall, the group hosts a card-making party, creating keepsake cards for the 4th grade students of Anne M. Jeans Elementary School in Willowbrook. With supplies she provides herself, Rose Ann guides volunteers in designing and creating colorful, personalized cards.
Each one carries a warm message encouraging the students as they begin a new school year. For the children, who will graduate into middle school the following year, the cards are a heartfelt reminder that the community is cheering them on. The Lorraine Project continues throughout the school year with a book drive, teacher appreciation events, summer journals for students, and even visits between the children and the residents.
A Passion for Card-Making
Rose Ann also creates one-of-a-kind greeting cards for fellow residents, to sell at K-B Bistro 33 gift shop, and to give to veterans. Her designs feature themes for birthdays, weddings, new babies, graduations, holidays, thank-yous, and sympathy notes. She even fulfills special requests for custom creations.
After taking classes to refine her craft, she now shares her talent by teaching card-making workshops for fellow residents. “I think people like to buy something that’s designed by someone they know,” she says.
Operation Warm Hearts
Her creativity extends beyond cards. Rose Ann is an active member of Operation Warm Hearts, a knitting, crocheting, and sewing group at K-B House. The group creates handmade afghans, scarves, slippers, and more for local families and charitable organizations. Their raffles help fund the resident-led K-B House Nursing Scholarship program, which supports team members and their families pursuing nursing careers.
Supporting Veterans
Rose Ann is also a longtime volunteer with Honor Flight, the program that brings World War II, Korean, and Vietnam-era veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials. She helps with the organization’s photography department, ensuring every participant receives a formal portrait, and she creates many cards for veterans. Rose Ann often joins volunteers at Midway Airport at 3:00 a.m. to see veterans off to D.C. The Honor Flight program holds special meaning for her, as her late husband was a veteran.
Active and Engaged at K-B House
Life at K-B House provides Rose Ann with joy and connection. She serves on the welcoming committee, greeting new residents to The Woods at K-B House with warmth and enthusiasm.
“All my friends are here,” Rose Ann says. “I love my home.”
Rose Ann’s story is one of creativity, kindness, and community; a reminder that one person’s generosity can inspire many, and that a life lived with purpose continues to shine brightly for others.
