Mary Ann Kocher (62) of Newton
Published on March 17 2018 8:29 am
Mary Ann Kocher (62) of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 2:25 AM – Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Thursday, March 22, 2018, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Dean Probst celebrating mass. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the church and 1 hour before the mass. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.
The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.
Mary Ann was born on August 11, 1955, in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Francella (Mattingly) Dhom. She married Leonard Kocher on January 19, 1974, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois.
Mary Ann worked in the Effingham office of the Illinois Education Association for over 20 years where she was a dedicated advocate for school employees. During those 20 years, she served on many committees and in many capacities, including UniServ Secretary, Invest in Excellence Secretary, ESP paraprofessional and she spent the last 4 years working as paraprofessional with the Higher Education program. Mary Ann was also a dedicated advocate for her fellow staff members, serving on multiple committees including grievance, executive committee, bargaining, and most recently as the vice president the IEA Staff Organization. Mary Ann’s unmatched will and determination will leave a hole in IEA and in the hearts of the members and staff.
Mary Ann was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. She enjoyed camping, quilting, sewing, walking and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary Ann is survived by:
Husband of 44 years – Leonard Kocher of Newton, Illinois
Children – Lori (Matt) Zumbahlen and Scott (Angie) Kocher of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren – Blake Zumbahlen, Jordyn Kocher, Caleb Zumbahlen, Kamyle Zumbahlen and Adam Kocher
Brother – David (Lisa) Dhom of Newton, Illinois
Sisters – Robbie (Rick) Ginder of Stringtown, Illinois and Theresa (Greg) Zuber of Newton, Illinois
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Holly Kocher.