Margaret B. Bocek
June 27, 1923 - September 25, 2017
Obituary
Margaret B. Bocek
Margaret B. Bocek was born in Jefferson, Wisconsin in 1923. After high school, in 1941, she came to Seattle, loved Mt. Rainier at first sight, and stayed. An accomplished pianist and clarinetist, she enrolled in Music at the University of Puget Sound, leaving after three months to join the war effort. She volunteered for the USO, and worked for the War Department as Executive Secretary for an office overseeing Alaska fuel logistics. In 1948 Margaret met a young Boeing engineer, also a clarinetist, through the Chancellor Club. She and Mark Bocek were married in 1951 and began raising their family. In 1976, Margaret returned to college, studying organ performance at the University of Washington. She graduated in 1985 with B.A.s in Music and Anthropology. She also served as Organist at St. Francis Church in Burien until retirement in 2003. In her final year of life at Judson Park in Des Moines, Margaret made many warm friends. On September 25, 2017 Margaret passed away peacefully at the age of 94, survived by her sons Joseph (Karla), Thomas (Eileen) and Peter (Lori); her daughters Barbara and Susan (Todd); grandchildren Timothy, Matthew, Michael, and Kevin Bocek; Michael and Joey-Marie Jacinto; and Kayla, Ashley, and Zoe Bocek, all of Seattle. Margaret was above all a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her music, but even more deeply loved her family. Her cheerfulness, graciousness and kindness to all who knew her will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Northwest Harvest or Catholic Community Services. The funeral will be October 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 15236 21st Avenue SW, Burien. Arrangements made by Bonney-Watson.
Over the nine plus years I’ve known and worked in the trenches with my colleague and dear friend, Barb, she has often spoken, with affection, about her mom and dad. I felt like I knew them, even though I never met them. There was, and is, a lot of love there. Throughout the whole family. That, alone, is a joyous and special legacy. Apples don’t fall far. Plus all the other things the Bocek’s grow, harvest, can, cook, enjoy, and more. I am very sad and sorry. She was obviously a great lady. Always will be. I lost my mom last year, right around this time, and Barb was always there for me. I’m sorry I never got to meet your mom, but I’m sure there’s a lot of her in you. Sending love and prayers your way. Todd