Rosie Persyn Aelvoet passed away on April 4, 2024 at the age of 94.  She was born to Belgium immigrants, Leo and Marie Persyn in San Antonio, Texas on January 7, 1930.  On August 30, 1951, she married her Belgian sweetheart, Rene Aelvoet.  Together they joined Rene's parents in the vegetable farming business on farmland located in the shadows of the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum.

Shortly after marriage Rosie and Rene started their family, having 9 children in the short span of 12 years.  In 1967, Rosie and Rene moved the family to Hondo Texas where they had built a home on a farm they had purchased.

Rosie had a strong calling for civic service and volunteerism.  Rosie was instrumental in starting various organizations including:  St John's Historical Society, Texas Women for Agriculture and the Belgian American Club.  She served as President of the Hondo Chamber of Commerce in 1982 and was honored as the Chamber's 2005 Volunteer of the Year.  She also served in many capacities as a volunteer for the Medina County Fair Association, St John's Catholic Church, Medina County Hospital Auxiliary and the Hondo 4-H.   She was very passionate in preserving her family history and the history of Belgian Families that settled in the San Antonio area in the early 1900's, co-authoring a number of books documenting family genealogy and the Belgian American history in the San Antonio area.  Rosie was also passionate about preserving historical structures in her community, taking an active role in preserving the original Saint John's Catholic Church, the downtown Leinweber building, & the adjacent barbershop.  In her leisure, Rosie was a gifted quilter and crocheter  & many family members possess an afghan keepsake.

Rosie is survived by her nine children:  Annette (Tom) McMinn, Frank (Pam) Aelvoet, Andrew (Theresa) Aelvoet, Mariette (William) Wroe, Jeanette (Tobin) Tilley, Paul (Denise) Aelvoet, Thomas (Jennifer) Aelvoet, Patrick (Patsy) Aelvoet, David (Kathie) Aelvoet, 32 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include sister-in-law, Genevieve Aelvoet.

Rosie is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Rene, her parents Leo and Marie Persyn, and her brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Rosie leaves us a legacy of commitment and sacrifice to family & service of others.  She valued her family, friends and Catholic faith.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St John's Historical Society, Hondo, Texas.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 beginning at 6:00pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00pm.  Funeral mass celebrating Rosie's life will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00am.  All services will be held at St. John's Catholic Church in Hondo, Texas.