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GINA GUZZINO CROOKS, Parke County, IN
Gina Guzzino Crooks passed away at her home on the Crooks Family Farm in Parke County, Indiana on March 6, 2024 at the age of 65. She was born in Patterson, Louisiana, to Lula and Leonard Guzzino. Gina is survived by Jon David Crooks, her devoted and “handsome husband” as she would so lovingly introduce him to everyone she met, her sister, Vickie Guarisco (Steve), Angel Dugas (Carl), and Christi Armato (Carl), her brother in law, Greg Crooks (Jane); her children, Matthew Crooks (Starrla), and Tara Crooks Bennett (Alex), one granddaughter, Thea Naomi Bennett, their beloved golden retriever, Hank, and 3 grand dogs. Gina was a fun and enthusiastic aunt to Brock, Cody, Ross, Nick, Elizabeth, Dana, Carly, John Michael, Logan, Hunter, Tyler, and their families.
As a proud graduate of the Patterson High School Class of 1976, she had a fervent love of her “Girls of 76” and would text them everyday. Her relationship with these best friends were the highlight of these last few years. It would be remiss to not include the “Bros of 76” as well.
Gina’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and extended family. She spearheaded numerous vacations and get-togethers and especially loved introducing her family to Disney World. Gina was a lover of all things “Disney”. As a member of Annunciation Parish, her Catholic faith was deep and beautiful and willingly shared with all she knew. Gina lived her faith by her work and commitment to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
Gina received her teaching degree at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and went on to teach at several Louisiana schools before moving to Indiana, following Jon’s ascent as Head Basketball Coach at Northview High School in Clay County. For most of her career she taught high school at Northview where she helped begin the “The Excalibur’s” and was sponsor of the DECA Business Club. It would also not surprise anyone who knew her that she was in charge of her fellow teacher’s lip sync dances performed for the student body. In addition to Disney, she had a passion for sunsets and sunrises, blue water and white sands, pickleball and the Louisiana Youth Seminar.
Jon and Gina own and operate Coach’s Timeout, where she would share her love of Cajun food and Mardi Gras. She was proud of the Crooks Family Farm and beautiful Raccoon Lake where she made lasting memories with Jon, Matt, and Tara, and all the Crooks crew. Those times will forever be remembered and cherished by her family.
Gina was a cheerleader and confidence builder for her family and her friends. If she knew you, she was in your court making sure you knew that you were wonderful and valued. We will miss the sparkle and loyal devotion that was Gina Guzzino Crooks.
Visitation will be held at Lawson Miller Chapel, 1702 East National Avenue in Brazil, Indiana on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Rosary will begin at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, on Monday, beginning at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Rockville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to one of her favorite charities: The Louisiana Youth Seminar, P.O. Box 14241, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 399 E. Church Street, Brazil, IN 47834