Ethel Frances Pochocki

Ethel Frances Pochocki, renowned Maine children's book author, passed away in the company of her loving family on Wednesday at the age of 85.

Ethel was born Sept. 17, 1925, in Bayonne, N.J., daughter of Chester and Ethel Pochocki. Her passion for books and writing began during her years working at the New York City Public Library. It was while raising eight children that she turned to writing in the early-morning hours. Her writing career began when she won an essay writing contest about her experience taking in inner city kids with the Fresh Air Project in New York City. Through the 1960s and '70s, Ethel contributed numerous essays and poems to the leading Catholic publications of the time, including Marriage Magazine, St. Anthony Messenger and Abbey Press. Her writing shifted to the world of children's literature, where she has left an unparalleled legacy of truth and beauty. Her early works shared stories of unsung heroes and saints, meant to inspire children of all ages toward a life of service and compassion. Pochocki's profound poetry graced the pages of Echoes and Church World in Maine and national publications, including America and The Christian Science Monitor. Her numerous award-winning books include her collaborations with Maine illustrator, Mary Beth Owens, with the Gazebo, Penny for a Hundred and Rosebud and Red Flannel. She also collaborated with award-winning illustrator, Barry Moser, on Blessings of the Beasts and the Mushroom Man. Her contributions to children's literature were recognized by the Maine Library Association with the 2008 Katahdin Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 1991 Lupine Award for outstanding children's literature. Her classic, Penny for a Hundred, was recognized as a notable book of 1996, by the Smithsonian magazine. Her works are part of permanent interactive exhibits at the Bangor Children's Museum, Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay and the Children's Memorial Garden at the Camden Library. Her imagination and creativity unleashed in her kitchen created pies, breads and meals, with a flair of old world elegance. She proudly rejected modern technology and delivered her gifts to the world on a manual typewriter.

Ethel is survived by her eight children, Therese Parr and her husband, Gerard, Baltimore, Md.; Julie Terray, Brunswick, Maine; Carol Zatek and her husband, Adam, Scranton; Martin Marbach and his wife, Denise, Philadelphia; Peter Marbach and his wife, Lorena, Hood River, Ore.; Charles Marbach, Cape Rosier, Maine; Lucy Bradford, Harpers Ferry, W.V.; Rosemary Marbach, Boston, Mass.; and 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and eight beloved cats.

A service celebrating Ethel's life will be held at a future date. Donations may be made in memory of Ethel Pochocki, to the Belfast Veterinary Hospital, 193 Northport Ave., Belfast, Maine 04915; or phone: 207-338-3260. Friends may share words of condolence to the family at www.brackett funeralhome.com.