Search by Name

Search by Name

Cornelia Christina Rolen

Cornelia Christina Rolen obituary, Roanoke Valley, VA

FUNERAL HOME

Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory - Peters Creek Road

5160 Peters Creek Road

Roanoke, Virginia

Cornelia Rolen Obituary

Cornelia Christina Rolen, known as (Tina) since birth, died at the age of 60 on Friday, December 11, 2009, after a lengthy illness. She is the daughter of the late Scott C. and Erle G. Rolen of Staunton, Va. Tina is survived by her sister, Susan Barnett (Steve), of Stuarts Draft, Va.; one daughter, Sarah McArthur (Jesse), of Atlanta, Ga.; a nephew, Ryan Barnett, of Northern Virginia; a niece, Amy Cowen (Chris), of Newport, Va.; and a host of special friends and relatives. Tina retired as director of the Hollins University Career Center where she found her life's work helping students and adults discover and achieve their educational and vocational goals. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served as deacon, elder, and member/chair of the Personnel and Policy Committee. The family is grateful for the loving support of Tina's steadfast friends and loving church family. Tina was especially appreciative for the excellent and compassionate care she received from Dr. Daniel Temeles and the entire staff of the Blue Ridge Cancer Center as well as the staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2009, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerle Road, Roanoke, Va., with the Revs. Bob and Dusty Fiedler officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to the Covenant Presbyterian Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, 540-366-0707.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Cornelia Rolen

Not sure what to say?





Jacqueline Williams

December 17, 2009

I am sorry that Tina passed away. I knew her as a student at Hollins and benefited from her council personally. I can attribute her as a major contributor to putting me on the right path to a sucessful career and bridging the gap in my own family. She will be missed.

Letitia Smith

December 17, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Jules Sowder

December 16, 2009

Tina was truly a special individual. Every time I saw her... she had a beautiful smile on her face. She could brighten any person and any day. It was as if she stood in a ray of light... and then she'd pull you in with her. She touched so many, many lives with her talent, humor and empathy. What a wonderful person to be taken from us. She will be missed.

December 16, 2009

Tina was my next door neighbor for many years. She was a very caring and loving person, with a heart as big as all outdoors. She was always willing to stop what she was doing to help you if you needed her help. I will miss Tina so very much but a few weeks ago she told me she was ready. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah and Susan and her family. I pray that they will find peace in knowing that Tina was very much loved and will be remembered always. I love you and miss you Tina. Phyllis Broughman, Roanoke, Va

Jenni Austin

December 15, 2009

What an amazing person Tina was. There are so many sentences that start with "If it wasn't for Tina Rolen" in my life. She is one of those people that could brighten even the worst day with just a nod hello. My heart goes out to her family and friends and to the rest of the Hollins community that misses her like I do.

Dannette Gomez Beane

December 15, 2009

Tina was my mentor. I met Tina in 1998 when I started as a freshman at Hollins. Tina was one of the most genuine and caring people I had ever met. I was an aspiring career counselor and Tina mentored me through two degrees and recently served as one of my references. She continues to influence me even in her death. Her funeral was inspirational just like her. I miss her.

Mary Lou Reynolds

December 15, 2009

To the Rolen and Barnett Families,

Tina's memorial service was lovely, and I do believe that she would have thought so, too. Her pastor said that Tina never gave up on anyone - - that she was a believer in second chances and beyond. She really was full of mercy and grace. I enjoyed many long years of friendship with Tina and feel blessed to have been included in her circle of friends. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy for such a great loss. May the Lord be with you in the coming days. Best regards to all.

Mims Gross

December 15, 2009

Tina will always be in my memory as my first and favorite college roommate and everlasting friend. She was by my side during the major events of my life. I was honored to be with her as she prepared for her new life in Heaven. I will miss her while I remain behind, but I'll be looking for those jade green eyes and that wonderful smile when I step through the gates of Heaven!! John 5:24

December 15, 2009

As a student at Hollins, I remember Tina as a very supportive and guiding force. She helped me numerous times, and I don't think I would have achieved the same professional success were it not for her ensuring that I had access to internships and work experience. She was a very memorable part of the Hollins experience for me and many other students, and we remember her very fondly. She will be missed.
Holly Peterson
Hollins 1997

Kristin MacLeod

December 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Tina's family as I remember her smiling face.

December 14, 2009

Tina cared so much for the students she served at Hollins, and always had a smile on her face. She served me well when I was one of those students and had a hand in many steps to my success, from helping with my first internship to the shoes I wore at my first job interviews.

Hattie Kissel, '98

December 14, 2009

Tina was an amazing help and was always gracious when dealing with studetns. Her wonderful spirit will be missed.

Jeanne Dooley

December 14, 2009

With great sadness, I read about Tina this weekend. I was a Horizon student, and Tina always had the patience and time to answer my many queries. We were both mothers of teenagers and shared many experiences. It seems like just yesterday when she was so exhuberant while telling about her daughter's pizza and pajama parties.
God bless you, Tina, and your daughter. May God hold both of you close.

Parris Collins

December 14, 2009

Mrs. Rolen had a wonderful and kind spirit with an up-beat and positive attitude. She helped me and so many others get a career started, and for that I greatly appreciate. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

Sue (Luker) Johnson

December 14, 2009

Tina met everyone with an open hand and an open heart, and her work at Hollins changed lives. Mine was one of those touched by her knowledge and kindness. She helped me with job hunting after graduation and while still an undergrad and grad student. She even helped me find a place to live.
She was a lot of fun as well--always ready to hear a funny story or share one. She was a treasure. I'm glad to have known her.

I offer my sympathy to her family and all who loved her.

Sandra Love

December 14, 2009

I worked for Tina for 4 years as a work study student. Over the years, Tina became like a second mother to me and she pushed me to achieve my dreams. She was a very important person to me at Hollins. I am so sorry to hear that she passed.

Cabell (Martin) Wagner

December 14, 2009

I am very sorry to hear about Tina. Tina was a wonderful part of the Hollins family and she will be missed. My thoughts are with the family.

Xiaoping Yu

December 14, 2009

Sending my sympathy and prayers of peace and love to Tina and her family.

Tina was a lively and sweet person and she made my life in Hollins more meanful......

Jenny Hall

December 14, 2009

She was a bright, shining light, a mentor for all of us. My thoughts and prayers to her loved ones.

Kit Willis Rutherford

December 14, 2009

It is with a heavy heart that I write to express my deep sympathy at the loss of your mother. During the time that I worked at Hollins, Tina was a shining example of goodness, graciousness and a deep committment to our beloved school. I valued her input and wisdom tremendously and know that she leaves a giant void in the lives of many...how treasured her memory will be.

Sondra Stephens

December 14, 2009

I am saddened to hear about Ms. Rolen's passing. She was truly a special lady. I met her when I was a teenager participating in the Upward Bound program at Roanoke College. I later, reunited with her at Hollins University. She had such a sweet spirit and she will be truly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

Alise Stewart

December 14, 2009

My thoughts are with you. She helped me live during a very difficult time in my life, and for many years thereafter. She was always someone I could turn to, from my graduation in '99, until this very year. The thought of her compassion, sympathy and understanding will help me for the rest of my life...

Amanda Christopher

December 14, 2009

Tina will be remembered by all of the Hollins girls she helped through the process of getting internships and starting careers. I remember working on my first resume with her on the first floor of West. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Krystle Hunt

December 14, 2009

Tina was always inspiring, no matter what I did, Internship in London, Internship with Victim Witness, Internship with Roanoke County Prosecutor, she was always supportive and willing to help me get in and go everywhere. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her family during these days, weeks and months to come.

Rachel Smith-Jones (Hollins '98)

December 14, 2009

Tina was such a help to me at Hollins when I was in the process of researching internships and applying to graduate schools. She was a warm, welcoming, calming presence. Her dedication to students will be remembered for many years to come. My prayers go out to her family.

Hope Swenson

December 14, 2009

Tina was a wonderful person! I have very fond memories of spending time with her. I still use the resume she help me create while I was at Hollins. She will be dearly missed.

Linda Brown

December 14, 2009

With heart felt sympathy, I send my regards to Tina and her family. Tina will surely be missed. Her smile, her kindness and her legacy at Hollins will live on in our hearts.

Linda Brown-Dennison

Kismet Loftin-Bell

December 14, 2009

To Family and Friends,

I send prayers of peace and comfort.

While a student at Hollins (and even afterwards), I could always count on a warm smile and encouragement from Tina. She will truly be missed.

Donna Karr

December 14, 2009

I met Tina when she worked for Social Services and later took her career class at Hollins. She was a great teacher and helpful to me even after the class was over. She was always smiling and had such a pleasant personality. She will definitely be missed by alot of people. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family during this difficult time.

flamine galbraith

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tanya Herlth

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Tina had a great impact on the beginning of my career. She will be missed by many at Hollins.

Missy Smith

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Tina's family right now. Tina will continue to be missed as she has over the past few months. She was a great asset to Hollins. I always enjoyed speaking with her. I know she is with her Lord and Saviour and in a better place.

Elizabeth Flanagan

December 14, 2009

Tina was a wonderful help to me while I attended Hollins. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.

Erin F. Slattery

December 14, 2009

I remember meeting with Tina during senior year, and I so appreciated her calm and thorough approach. She made the Career Center a great resource--even years after graduation.

Adrienne Donohue

December 14, 2009

I am so sad and shocked to hear about Tina. She was an amazing and special person who gave so many of us confidence as we left Hollins to do other things. She definitely helped me find my way into the big world. She will be missed tremendously and my heart goes out to her family.

Sirnovia Ellis

December 14, 2009

To an angel,

I too did not expect to hear this. Mrs. Rolen has been such a support to me during my visits in the Career Center. There is no way that her smile will be forgotten or the warmth she gave in the office. She also lent her ear to listen to some of my outside concerns as an adult and out-of-state student. I send my condolences to her family and friends. Please do know that she was definitely loved and appreciated. Thank Mrs. Rolen for being the angel that you have been. It gives me great pleasure to know that when I look up in the sky, when I look up at the sun, when I look at the flowers and bumbling bees that your smile will be seen!

Sirnovia Ellis

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have very fond memories of Tina. I always enjoyed speaking with her. I was very saddened by the news and are thinking of you all.
Missy Smith "Security Departement at Hollins University"

Eleanor Levine

December 14, 2009

Tina always offered kind and helpful advice to me--particularly when I graduated from Hollins with an MFA in Creative Writing in 2007. She will be deeply missed by students and faculty and alumni because she gave her heart to her work.

Rosalyn Wright

December 14, 2009

Words can not express my deepest sorrow for the Rolen Family, Hollins Community, and surrounding cites/counties. Tina Rolen had helped me garner my focus. While at Hollins I had many interests, but Tina helped me to determine and achieve a career path that not only provides an indefinite earning potential but also an indefinite learning potential. For that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you Tina...you will always be remembered for caring and helping out this student.

Julie Sample

December 14, 2009

I am very saddened to hear of Tina's passing. She was a very good neigbor and her generosities, smile, and helpfulness will be missed.

Edward Kilday

December 14, 2009

It was always a wonderful experience to receive help from Ms. Rolen. Hollins will miss her.

Paula Luper

December 14, 2009

I signed up for an evening class at Hollins and Tina was the instructor. I'll never forget that class or Tina. To know Tina was to love her and to be her friend was a blessing. I'll miss my friend but I'll always remember her infectious laugh and her wonderful spirit. My prayers go out to all her family and friends.

Savon Shelton Sampson

December 14, 2009

Tina was such a wonderful person who brought joy to the Hollins campus. May God bless the family during this difficult time.

Caitrin McAlexander

December 14, 2009

I send warm thoughts & prayers to everyone as we remember Tina. She was a special friend and member of the Hollins community, touching so many lives in big and small ways.

jeannie hager

December 14, 2009

She was such a wonderful help to me as well as many others. Her positive voice and smile will be missed.
Prayers and Blessings,

Regan Postma

December 14, 2009

Tina was so helpful to me and to so many others at the career center. She was a good listener and helped me to find my life's direction. May she rest in peace and may her family find joy and comfort in the memories of the great life she lived.

Sandy Givens

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to Tina's friends and family. As a graduate of Hollins and a former employee, I always found Tina in good spirits. She helped me prepare for my first interviews after graduation and I will forever be grateful.

Susan Mason

December 14, 2009

God be with you all during this difficult time. Tina was a special friend of her students and colleagues at Hollins. We will miss her. May God's everlasting peace be with you as Tina rejoices in her resurrection.

Ashley Parker

December 14, 2009

I was saddened and shocked to hear of Tina's passing. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the students at Hollins and the career center truly made a huge difference in so many lives, including mine. I'll never forget the countless times I came into her office, frantic over post-grad plans, and she reassured me and helped me out in whatever way she could. She was a shining light on the Hollins campus and in the lives of the many, many women she touched while there. My thought and prayers to her family- if you read this, please know that your mother/sister/aunt was so loved and will be sorely missed.

Beverly Lorig

December 14, 2009

Tina was such a happy, enthusiastic, and dedicated colleague in Career Services. She knew how to bring people together respecting each individual for his/her special talents.
Such a beautiful spirit. My thoughts are with you --the family and her Hollins family. Beverly Lorig, Washington and Lee University

Leyden Hane

December 14, 2009

You will be missed! I remember coming into the career center frequently during my time at Hollins. Thanks for all your help. Your family is in my prayers!

Venita Gresham Watson

December 14, 2009

Tina is one of the reasons I can smile fondly on my Hollins experience. Her enthusiasm for her work, warm smiles, positive attitude, and sage advice, smoothed my passage from college to grad school and beyond. She quelled my fears and built my confidence. I am forever grateful to her.

Lacey Dunham

December 14, 2009

Tina was always so generous with her time and energy. She really cared about the students at Hollins.

Warm thoughts to her family and friends.

Greer Olenick

December 14, 2009

I was so saddened to hear this news. Tina was such a lovely, upbeat person who gave so much encouragement and great advice to Hollins students over the years. My thoughts are with her family and friends - I'm so sorry for your loss.

December 14, 2009

Tina,

Thank you for your help and guidance. I still use the tools you gave me. I know you'll be missed by your friends, family and the Hollins community.

Deborah Topcik
Hollins '98
Phoenix, AZ

Michele (Sinisi) Koch

December 14, 2009

I will always remember Tina as a kind and professional person, ready and willing to help in any way she could. She set a wonderful example for all of us at Hollins. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. She will be missed and remembered fondly.

Sindhu Blume

December 14, 2009

My condolences to Tina's family and friends. Tina was a tremendous support to me when I was a student at Hollins, and we kept in touch through the years after. She will be missed.

Shannon Muhs

December 14, 2009

I have such fond memories of Tina during my time at Hollins! What a warm, kind, and caring person. And you could see her smile from across Front Quad!! My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tina's friends and family. May she rest peacefully for all of eternity.

Mary Elizabeth Wiggins

December 14, 2009

I am so very sorry to hear of Tina's death. She was a sweet, wonderful lady and I have fond memories of her from my time at Hollins. My prayers are with your family!
Much Love...

Rosalyn Wright

December 14, 2009

Words can not express my deepest sorrow...Tina Rolen has help directed my path in determining where I should place my focus. While I was a student at Hollins I had many interests, but Tina Rolen empowered me to seek not only a career that has great pay but a career that has invaluable and indefinite learning as well as earning potential. For that, I am eternally grateful. Tina was an Angel at Hollins-she truly cared about every young women’s' future. Now she is in the Father's Kingdom-Thank you Tina--you are now an Angel in Heaven constantly caring and smiling.

May Thomas

December 14, 2009

To the Rolen family,
I had the pleasure of working with Tina during her year's of dedicated service to Hollins University. She always had a smile for everyone and was willing to assist students and others in the campus community in any way possible.

She will be missed by many.

My heart felt sympathy to all of you during this time of sorry.

Peggy Hall Brown

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Tina was a roommate at Mary Washington College and I cherish the memories of those times together. She was very special.

Margarita Hernandez Guzman

December 14, 2009

Tina's smile and positive impact during my time at Hollins has and will forever remain in my heart.
May dear Tina rest in peace, and may her family and many friends be showered with love and support.

Amanda Jordan Baumann

December 13, 2009

I hate that Tina's gone. You were there for me at Hollins and you remained there for me in life. Whether it was my career, or my personal life, you remembered intimitate details of my life that most people wouldn't remember. You are a dear friend. I am not deleting you from my cell phone. I am not deleting you from email or Facebook. You are in Heaven and I respect that, but I truly truly miss you and Sarah or anyone if you need support, I am here for you. It was an honor to have spent time knowing you and I thank all the family around you for supporting you. God has gained another angel and this angel will guide many many people in the direction that so choose, or atleast that's my belief. I will miss you always.

Shelley Meredith

December 13, 2009

Tina was a former boss and a special friend who blessed my life in so many ways over the past 15 years. I will miss our friendship tremendously but treasure the memories and the many ways she touched my life. My heart and prayers go out to anyone who was lucky enough to know her. The world has truly lost a special soul.

Nancy Lough

December 13, 2009

My heartfelt prayers are with Sarah, Susan and Tina's other friends. She was my best friend for 31 years and no one will miss her more than I. She was the dearest and most compassionate person with a sense of humor that carried, even her, through this difficult time. I will miss her forever.

Renee Godard

December 13, 2009

Tina was always so helpful and always had a ready smile to share. She is much missed.

Annalee Finch

December 13, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Laura Page Rast

December 13, 2009

Tina was a wonderful help to me, when I was at Hollins and even after I graduated. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this time, and I can only hope it provides some comfort to know that she is missed by the innumerable students she helped. God bless.

Tiffany (Marshall) Graves

December 13, 2009

I offer my prayers and warmest thoughts to the Rolen family during this difficult time. Tina was a very special part of my life and I will cherish my fond memories of her forever. She was a remarkable counselor and treasured friend. I feel honored to have met her at Hollins and to have continued our friendship for many years after I graduated. She has truly joined the ranks of God's most special angels.

Mimi Stout

December 13, 2009

Tina's friends from Mary Washington College will miss her dearly. We loved her friendship, fun, and energy.

Stephanie Pratt

December 13, 2009

Thank you for all your help at Hollins, Tina. You were a great college career counselor and helped so many.

Geneva Claybrook

December 13, 2009

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Joyce (carroll) Ballinger

December 13, 2009

To the Rolen family,
So sorry for the loss of a dear lady. I worked with Tina at Hollins for many years. She was such a joy and inspiration to all. I know she will be truly missed. God bless you all and prayers to you all for your loss.

Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results

Make a Donation
in Cornelia Rolen's name

Memorial Events
for Cornelia Rolen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory - Peters Creek Road

5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019-3810

How to support Cornelia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Cornelia Rolen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more