Martha Kocich

1933 - 2017

Martha Helen Kocich
1933-2017
It is with great sadness yet faith filled joy we announce that our beautiful dear mother Martha Helen Kocich of Sugar Land went to join our loving Lord and her Sweetheart of 60 years on Wednesday January 18, 2017 at the age of 83.
Our "Mommy" was born in Moravia, Texas on November 5, 1933. She met, fell in love, and eventually married her sweetheart there on May 2, 1955. Having known each other from a young age, Daddy used to joke that he had to wait for her to grow up as he was 10 years older than her. They began their married life in Moravia in 1955 then moved to San Angelo Texas for a few years, but finally settled in Sugar Land in 1966 where they raised their 7 children.
Mommy was one of the strongest and hardest working women we've ever known. While raising her children she was a great cook and homemaker, and helped make ends meet by cleaning homes and doing ironing for others. In the 70's she began mowing yards with her teenage sons till eventually as time passed it became just her and Daddy. They both worked for Imperial Sugar, but after their long hours there they would finish their day mowing yards. After so many years, many of their yard owners weren't just customers, they had become lifelong friends. After finishing a yard you could often find them sitting, visiting, and sharing a drink with them long after the mower was loaded. As we drive through the old part of Sugar Land we like to point out to the grandchildren that their Granny and Papa did this yard, and that yard, and so on, until the number easily exceeds 50.
Mommy was never the same after losing her beloved son Tony, who at the age of 23 accidentally drowned, but she found strength through her faith in God to forge on and give love and laughter to us for so many years after.
She loved listening to Czech music and dancing with her sweetheart to a good Polka or Waltz. They loved dancing the night away, and many people would comment on how enjoyable it was to watch them "flow" across a dance floor. They were a beautiful sight to see and her children and grandchildren will forever remember the special dances shared between these two lovebirds.
In their later years, they found pleasure in traveling around the U.S to Polka Festivals. Many of their favorite times were spent experiencing Europe and the Czech Republic with other family members.
Growing up, our lives were filled with the specialness of family, traveling back to Moravia to spend most every weekend and holiday with our Shimek and Kocich grandparents on their two farms. After their passing new memories were built always gathering for birthdays and holidays, usually at the lake house or our favorite Mexican food places. They showed us the path to love of family and faith. Our final piece will be laid to rest but their love will remain in us forever.
She was a 37 year charter member of the Catholic Daughters at St. Theresa's Church where they were members since 1966.
Her long battle with Alzheimer's was devastating but there were still special days and moments when you saw that beautiful smile and you just knew "she knew", "she remembered."
She was preceded in death by her sons Michael and Anthony, parents Louis and Frances (Kutac) Shimek, sisters Judy Horelka, Dorothy Smith, and Sister Agatha Shimek, and brothers Wence, Joe, and George Shimek. She is survived by her children John Kocich, David Kocich, Frances Rychlik and husband Mike, Danny Kocich and wife Jennifer, Monica Borak and husband Ronald, and Carol Bedra and husband Frank. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of ten grandchildren: Charity Rychlik-Alford, Diana and Anthony Rychlik, Ryan, Jenna, Riley and Sophie Kocich, Melissa and Justin Borak, and Eli Kocich, as well as four great grandchildren, Daisy Rychlik and Gage, Gavin and Grace Alford. She is also survived by two brothers Roman Shimek and wife Gertie and Milton Shimek and wife Helen, and sisters in law Helen Malik, Carol Shimek, and Joan Shimek.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd. in Sugar Land with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. A celebration mass will be held Tuesday January 24 at noon at St. Theresa's Church with a reception immediately following at St. Theresa's Community Center. Burial at 3:30 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of her courageous battle with the devastating disease.