Carol (Margaret Carol) Kocher

1940 - 2025

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Margaret “Carol” D’Arcy Kocher passed away peacefully in her home in Butte, Montana. Carol, the eldest of seven children born to Gerald and Mary McCoy D’Arcy on January 27, 1940, lived a life filled with dedication, love, and warmth.

She attended St. John the Evangelist Grade School and graduated from Girls Central High School in 1957. Carol then embarked on a noble journey in nursing, earning her degree from St. Patrick’s School of Nursing in Missoula. Her career spanned over 40 years, during which she worked in hospitals in Billings and Libby before returning to Butte, where she retired from St. James Community Hospital.

Carol married Bruce Kocher in Butte, and together they had six children. Though they later divorced, Carol remained a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Despite the heartbreaking loss of her son Teddy Joseph Kocher at a very young age, she carried his memory with grace and love. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with him.

Family life and celebrations were at the heart of Carol’s world. She delighted in hosting the annual Fourth of July barbecue, serving her signature ribs that everyone eagerly anticipated. The late-September birthday dinner, a tradition celebrating everyone at once, was filled with laughter, cake, and love. Christmas was marked by her cherished tradition of making Christmas candy with her siblings and family, filling the season with sweetness, laughter, and togetherness. Additionally, she enjoyed playing the card game Hand and Foot every New Year’s Eve with friends, staying up all night in joyful competition.

In retirement, Carol found joy in playing bridge, where she earned her Life Master title and made many dear friends. Weekly gatherings brought laughter, friendship, and spirited competition, reflecting both her love for the game and the camaraderie it fostered.

Later in life, Carol relished trips with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These adventures, including cruises, coastal trips, and attending local and regional sporting events, created treasured memories filled with laughter, pride, and togetherness.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved son Teddy Joseph Kocher, her parents Gerald and Mary D’Arcy, her sister and brother-in-law Joan and Tom Gavigan, her sister-in-law Laura D’Arcy, and her brothers-in-law Al Hansen and Don Davis.

She is survived by her children: Steve (Terri) Kocher, Mark Kocher, Bob (Mary Smith) Kocher, Darcy (Mark) Maroney, and Scot (Crystal) Kocher. Surviving grandchildren include Steve (Bob Lescantz) Kocher, Matthew (Tori) Kocher, Jamie Kocher, Tylor Kocher, Jace (Hannah) Maroney, Jenna (Will Hunthausen) Maroney, and extended grandchildren Sabrina Smith and Simone Smith. Great-grandchildren include Kiley, Leah, and Allie Kocher, Riley Kocher, and Ellie Hunthausen, along with extended great-grandchildren Jocelyn Smith, Raelynn Risher, Ryder Smith, and Sterling Smith.

Surviving siblings include Jerry (June Dudding) D’Arcy, Jo (Bob) Foley, Cecilia Hansen, Melvin D’Arcy, and Michelle Davis. Carol is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Butte. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment of ashes will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children's or a charity of choice, in honor of Carol’s lifelong commitment to faith and family.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.