Florence A. Koceja, age 90, of 2916 3rd Avenue South, Escanaba, died Friday October 5, 2007 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a brief illness.
Florence was born April 7, 1917 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Edward and Pauline (Blazek) Macholz. She was raised in the Chicago area and married Ralph H. Koceja on October 23, 1937. They made their home in Arlington Heights where they raised their 4 children. Florence was very active in her church, Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church. She served on the Alter Society, made home visits, served as an Eucharistic Minister and taught CCD for over 25 years.
Florence and Ralph moved to Escanaba in 2001 where they resided at the Bishop Noa Home Apartments and were members of St. Annes Catholic Church. Ralph preceded her in death on October 13, 2005.
Florence enjoyed reading, knitting and crocheting. She had made numerous blankets for the
Anonymous
Harvey and Diane,
I want to express my sympathy to you and your families. I wasn’t able to attend the funeral mass but please know that you where in my prayers. We miss your smiling faces at BNH on Sundays.
Barbara Nelson
Escanaba, MI
I felt so sad when I saw the notice for Florence in the Daily Herald, but it evoked wonderful memories and feelings of gratitude for having known her. We spent a retreat weekend together (Christ Renews His Parish) at Our Lady of the Wayside in 1996. She was a sweet and warm lady who demonstrated her faith with deep devotion. I have thought of her often in church and whenever I drive by her former home. My deepest condolences to you all.
Celeste Kuta
Arlington Heights, IL
Loving sister and great sister in-law.
Love
Ron & Joy
Fairfield Glade, TN
Dear Family of Florence,
Mrs. Koceja was my Den Mother in Cub Scouts at O.L.W. from ’65 -’68 (with Rich Koceja). I also remember her as one of the most positive, upbeat, prayerful individuals I have ever known! My sincere condolences go out to all her family and friends. Please know, however, that her faithfulness to her God and parishes over the years will not go unnoticed by her Maker. Farewell, Mrs. Koceja — please pray for all of us still completing this race of life. Hopefully we will meet again in Heaven!
God Bless you forever!
Your former Cub Scout and neighbor,
Bill Halm
Schiller Park, IL
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Florence. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face, I always enjoyed working with her at church, whe was always so plesant, I miss seeing her in church.
Dodie Shields
Arlington Hts., IL
Mrs. Koceja was a very sweet lady and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know her over the past few years. I miss seeing her smiling face. I haven’t seen her very often lately but I will still miss her. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Debbie Saari
Escanaba, MI
Florence was my grandmother. I have never known a woman more loving and kind.
From 1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres.
I will miss you Grandma.
Heather Bennett
Aurora, CO