Mary ‘Celena’ Kocher (Moser) passed away peacefully at Knollcrest Lodge on December 18, 2022 (10 days after celebrating her 96th birthday). Born in Hesson on Dec 8, 1926 to parents Albert and Celena (O’Grady) Moser. Celena married her husband Alban Kocher on June 21, 1947.
Celena leaves to mourn her loving children: Linda (Bernie) Laverty, Don (Mary Pat), Barry, Donna (Steve) Harrington, Carol (Gerry) Meagher, Rose (Darren Sweeney), Bryan (Lise). Survived by 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her siblings Art (Cecilia) Moser, Doreen O’Grady (late Charles), Lenore Moser and sister-in-law Irene Zettel (Charlie).
Predeceased by her parents, husband Alban (May 8, 2002), infant daughter Mary Kathryn (1959), and great-grandson Andrew Laverty (2008), siblings and their spouses: Verna (Gerald) Linseman, Eileen (Jack) Kittel, Lorayne (Jack) Sheehan, Earl, Milly (Wally) Threndyle, Harold, Jerry, and Carl and Marlene in infancy. Predeceased by brother and sister-in-laws: Urban Kocher, Margaret (Willard) Swartz, Dorothy (Bill) Prentice, and Marie (Roy) Askin.
Mom/Grandma was an excellent cook and baker. “Grandma’s squares” aka Hello Dollies were a staple at every family get together. Wonderful roast beef dinners and countless pies for her big family was her specialty!
Summertime for Celena was filled with gardening, freezing vegetables and canning. Several jars of pickles, relish, sauerkraut, peaches and pears, different varieties of jam, etc were enjoyed by everyone.
After Dad lost his left arm in a farming accident 4 years after they were married, mom assisted him where she could while raising their family. She was a Farmer’s wife, spending long hours in the barn and in the fields (she was still on the tractor and wagons at the young age of 65).
Mom was able to stay on the farm with Barry until she was 90. She made the decision to move into Knollcrest Lodge where she enjoyed her word search books, watching her stories, listening to the wonderful musicians that would frequent the nursing home and enjoying her favourite dessert of Mississippi Mud. But nothing was more special to Mom than when her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would come to visit or call her (on speaker phone) and catch her up on what was happening, especially what was happening. Mom will certainly be missed by all that knew her.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, Milverton. Visitation will be held Wednesday December 21st, 2022 from 4 – 5:30 pm and 7 – 9 pm and also Thursday December 22nd, 2022 from 10 – 11:30 am. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday December 22nd at 1:30 pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1025 Wallace Ave N, Listowel. Light Reception from 2:30 – 3:45pm in St. Joseph’s Church Hall. Spring burial to take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery Hesson
Please take precautions and wear a mask. If you are feeling ill, and are unable to attend, please send condolences through the guestbook on the website.
Memorial donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or St. Joseph’s Listowel Building fund would be appreciated and are available through the funeral home.
Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
