Small business advocate and friend to the community, Nina Rosania loses her battle with kidney disease at 43

Publisher’s note: Nina Rosania touched many lives in her short 43 years, including my own. I thought it was important to recognize her for the imprint she left on this community and the hole it now has to fill with her absence. I wanted to give people the opportunity to share stories and their feelings about Nina, so those who missed out on meeting her would know what a caring, selfless person she was. I met Nina after I started Inside Lake. She barely knew me in the beginning, and she’d come to my defense in these ever-so-popular word of mouth groups when people weren’t happy with a story I wrote. She’d tip me to different things, and she’d take photos for me too…and never wanted credit. Sometimes when a photo was labeled “Courtesy photo,” it was her. She truly wanted Inside Lake to succeed, as she did with all the Lake County small businesses. She’d send me random messages, most starting with “Hello, beautiful,” and she would tell me what I was doing was important and not to get discouraged when one of my stories was under attack. A bad day could change instantly when you got an encouraging message from Nina. In honor of Nina’s memory, I challenge everyone to perform a random act of kindness before the end of the year.  I’m going to miss you, Nina. The world is a dimmer place. – Marilyn M. Aciego

 

EUSTIS, Fla.—Lake County is a dimmer place after a well-known small business advocate, law enforcement supporter, mother and friend, lost her battle with kidney disease earlier this month.

Nina Rosania, 43, died Sept 21 at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, after suffering a medical emergency at her Eustis home. Rosania fought hard for more than 10 years, undergoing numerous surgeries and countless hospital stays.

Known throughout the community, Rosania was a tireless advocate for small businesses and law enforcement, but first she was a mother. She often posted the meals she cooked for her two boys, Mikey, 17, and Joey, 10, on her Facebook page, giving her nearly 650 friends a small glimpse of the love she had for her boys. Many times, she was in the kitchen cooking up a meal just days or even hours after being released from the hospital.

“My boys, my world” accompanied each post and her love for them was obvious from her other posts about Mikey’s sports and academic accomplishments, and trips to Mall at Millenia just to get Joey a video game he wanted.

Rosania was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to Florida as a child. She was a graduate of Eustis High School and lost her parents when she was in her 30s, longtime friend Shannon Cook told Inside Lake. She enjoyed patronizing local restaurants and some of her favorites were El Marie and That Place, both in Eustis, and Tavares restaurants, Kalua Beach Bar, Tavares Dog House and Lake Harris Hideaway. She also loved the beach.

Before her health declined, Rosania worked in real estate and repossessed vehicles for a living and after, she bought and sold items on resale sites.

Rosania constantly advocated on local “word of mouth” Facebook groups for Lake County businesses, by sharing their posts, recommending them and even moderating groups to drum up business. Rosania was also a strong supporter of law enforcement, taking on a supporting role, helping Cook organize the annual “Back the Blue and Red Walk.” Rosania did not look for recognition for the things she did. She selflessly helped people behind the scenes and sometimes they did not even know she helped. Late last year, she helped organize a benefit for Lake County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Adam Tytler who was battling cancer at the time. Tytler only found out last week Rosania was instrumental in helping with the benefit organized by Cook and LCSO Lt. Kristin Thompson.  Inside Lake attended the benefit and spoke with Tytler in the hours after Rosania’s death.

“I first met her at the charity benefit,” Tytler told Inside Lake. “Life isn’t fair. It seems the good ones are taken too soon and the bad ones stay longer than they should.”

As news of Rosania’s passing made its way through Lake County, social media posts started pouring in about the friend she was, how she helped small businesses get the word out, her staunch support of law enforcement and her immense love for her two boys. Cook started a fundraiser to benefit Rosania’s boys, and at press time it had reached about 10 percent of its goal; to donate, visit Honoring Nina’s Legacy for Her Beloved Sons  Bonnie Whicher Photography is also donating a portion of proceeds from some of her photo shoots to benefit Rosania’s boys. “Fifty percent of all family photo sessions in the studio or on-location scheduled with me in October will go directly to Nina’s children,” Whicher told Inside Lake.

Rosania was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Rosania and Noella Benton Clark, and stepfather, Robert “Bob” Clark. She is survived by her sons, Mikey Napoli and Joey Holt; and siblings, Sal Rosania, Shannon Houstoun, and half-brother Chuck Ania, along with close friends and supporters, Blaine and Nadzeya Langford.  A Celebration of Life for Rosania is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, Hamlin & Hilbish Chapel, 326 East Orange Avenue, Eustis, followed by a gathering from 3 to 5 p.m. at Tavares Dog House, 201 West Ruby Street, Tavares.

Inside Lake asked the community to share some words about Rosania.

I came into the picture when I was 16 years old, and I was the primary babysitter for (a family’s) children and any parties they had. (Mom of the family) liked to refer to me as her extra set of eyes. Through these parties, I got to meet Nina. Back then, she still had this metallic blue Lexus sedan sitting on the craziest looking rims I had ever seen, and I remember thinking to myself I wanted to grow up and be just like her! She was a repo lady and had zero fears at all, or so it seemed. Mikey, her oldest was barely walking when I came into their lives. She always had a French pedicure and made sure her makeup and hair were on point, even with such a young child (which honestly is a huge inspiration to me now, being a single mom). She made everything look so easy. The last time I got to see her out and about was my son’s 2nd birthday party last year. I’ve never seen her so frail until (her last hospital stay.) I opened Facebook to a flood of please pray for Nina, she’s on life support, and I broke. I knew I had to find out where she was, I had to go see her one last time. When I walked in the room, I immediately said, “Hey gorgeous, look at you with your hair braided,” I and kept the compliments flowing. All these children that I helped take care of so many years ago were coming to give tearful goodbyes to this angel we’ve had in our lives. I won’t lie, I broke quite a few times in that room with her. I brought her a seashell since I know she hasn’t been able to get in the water for some time, and anyone who knew Nina knows how much she loved the beach. I also had our last “teatime” with her, and we all noticed her blood pressure rising each time I told her more juicy tea. It was amazing and (another visitor) kept saying, keep talking Katie, she knows you are here!! I promised her I would spend the next two years collecting seashells for her and continuing to fight for myself and my child, which is something she taught me how to do. I intend on spreading love and positivity, just like Nina taught us all to do. – Katie Thompson, longtime friend 

 

Little did I know when I bought something from an online stranger 10 years ago it would be the start of a cherished, close friendship. She had just been diagnosed with kidney failure and we became fast friends. She was the most selfless person I have ever met! There was nothing Nina wouldn’t do for her boys and her community! I watched her suffer with the disease over the years, but she never gave up! Ten years ago, the doctors said she had a year! She fought for nine more years which I have no doubt she did for her children. I will forever cherish our friendship, our beach trips, our events we were worked on together and most definitely her assistance with my social media page. (I’m not a techy person!) More than anything I will miss our nightly talks when we sat on her bed talked about our days. I’m glad she isn’t suffering anymore but the selfish part of me isn’t sure how to live without her. – Shannon Cook, friend

 I met Nina through a community initiative to support local families who were struggling with food, basic necessities, and school supplies. Nina didn’t just participate—she led by example, offering her time and skills to organize and execute the project. It was incredible to see her dedication and energy transform what began as a small effort into something that impacted so many. And this was just one of the countless ways Nina gave back to the community. She was always involved in something, always helping others. Her kindness and generosity touched so many lives, and her example will continue to inspire us all.  – Natalie Werner, friend

 I met Nina during my road patrol duties visiting the schools, she was very kind and introduced me to her Joey who absolutely loves law enforcement. I remember eating lunch with Joey and showing him my patrol car. From that point on, he was my little special friend. Nina and Joey would visit me at the station and give me donuts or a special card he made just for me. Nina told me anytime Joey saw a Eustis police car he would ask Nina if it was me. Nina was a very special person who always took time to help the community. She didn’t ask for fame or recognition; she just wanted to help the community because she truly loved this city, she loved law enforcement, and she loved people. She will be missed, and as long as I wear this uniform, I will do my best to look out for Joey.  – Sgt. Lauren Brown, Eustis Police Department

 Nina was the most giving person I’ve ever met. Even if you joked about wanting or needing something she would jump and get it for you. One time I commented on one of her many food posts on how amazing it looked and 5 minutes later she was at my door with a bowl for me. My wife was like, “Why is the garage sale lady making you food?” She always pointed people to Eustis Sign Co. and always promoted our business. I always called Nina my dealer since she sold 100’s of DVDs to me and helped me start my collection. – Jeremiah Ellsworth, friend

Nina was a tireless advocate for small businesses, always championing their growth and success. She believed in the power of local businesses to uplift and shape the character of our community. She knew the importance of coming together, and she brought people together in ways that strengthened the bonds between us all. Her giving spirit and generous nature extended to everyone. Nina was deeply involved in countless community initiatives, always the first to volunteer, to show up, to give of herself. Whether it was through volunteering with local community groups like CleanUp Eustis or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, Nina’s impact was felt far and wide. Though she has left this world, her influence remains in every corner of our town, in the lives she touched, and in the businesses, she helped thrive. Nina’s children—who she loved with every fiber of her being—carry forward her legacy. To them, we send all of our love and condolences. Please know that the entire community stands with you during this time. I will forever miss Nina’s kind heart, her unwavering commitment, and her radiant smile. The void she leaves behind in our community is immeasurable, but I take comfort in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide us all, reminding us to be generous, compassionate, and to always lift each other up—just as she did. – Christine Cruz, Interim Eustis City Commissioner

 My son, Enzo and Mikey went to school together and were best friends when they were younger. Nina was such an amazing woman, mom and friend to so many! I remember her favorite thing was doing all the Halloween bags for so many kids! She was so giving to everybody no matter who you were! She will definitely be missed by so many as well as her giving heart to our community! Another good human taken too soon! – Wanda Baldwin, friend

 

 She gave me a keychain with a phrase a few months ago that is with my truck key, a reminder of a standing argument we had. “I love you the most. The end.” – Sal Rosania, brother