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 “Linus Club”.
Survivors include:
2 sons: David (Carol) Koceja of Sacramento, CA; Michael Koceja of Kaluia, Hawaii
1 daughter: Diane (Harvey) Hoyum of Escanaba
1 brother: Ronald (Joyce) Lugowski of Fairfield Glade, TN
6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren
In addition to her parents and husband Ralph, Florence was preceded in death by her daughter Catherine and son Richard.
Florence’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the Skradski Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial Services celebrating the life of Florence A. Koceja will follow at 11:00 AM at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Michael Steber officiating. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.
