Mitzi Kokenge

Mitzi Kokenge, 83, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 28, 2014. Mitzi was born Nazia Maria Keegan December 24, 1930 in Portland, Oregon to Melvin and Elizabeth (Golob) Keegan.

At the age of 13 her family moved from Portland to Mt. Angel, Oregon, where she spent her teen years. She moved to Yakima, WA, to attend St. Elizabeth’s diploma school of nursing and graduated in 1953. Her time in nursing school was filled with fun, laughter and close friendships that lasted a lifetime. During this time she met her future husband Albert Kokenge. He won her heart and they were married August 6, 1955. Together they raised five daughters.

Mitzi was a good homemaker. You could always find her in the kitchen. She put a balanced meal on the table every night, which usually included meat and potatoes for Al. She baked beautiful and delicious cakes and canned fruits all summer long. We loved her canned pears, peaches, and cherries.

Most of all she was a servant of God. It was important to her that her daughters were raised Catholic and knew Jesus. She and Al were lifetime parishioners of St. Paul’s parish, where she volunteered in many capacities. She was also active in the Catholic Daughters of America, and brought meals and assisted many of the retired priests.

Mitzi’s greatest joy in her life was her family. She looked forward to our yearly trip to Rock Away Beach, Ore., where she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. The highlight of the trip was ocean fishing with her son in law, Bill. On the ocean she felt free and exhilarated. Few people got to see Mitzi’s fun side because she was reserved and quiet, but she loved to have fun and was amused by all of us.

Mitzi and Al also enjoyed many years of worldly travels. Ireland was her favorite; must be the Irish in her.

Mom and Dad spent their last days in the home that they cherished for 46 years. We are grateful we could honor their wishes to die in their home. They were fortunate to have their oldest grandson Will and his wife Connie Chichenoff as their loving caregivers their last years. Special thanks to Dessa, for the care and friendship she gave to mom.

Mitzi is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria (Bill) Chichenoff, Joan (Derek) LaFramboise, Kay (Rich) DeLong and Gina (Randy) Smoot. She also has 10 fun-loving grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Kokenge and her grandson, Max LaFramboise.

A vigil service will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31, with viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2014, at St. Paul Cathedral, with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Yakima, WA. To celebrate the life of Mitzi and share a memory visit www.lmfuneralhome.com.

An Old Irish Benediction

May God sleep on your pillow,

may He hold you in the hollow of his hand.

May the roads rise with you,

fair weather to your heels.

May the wind be ever at your

back ... and may you be

a long time in heaven.