Doris Cocek

Doris Cocek,longtime Dallas resident, Doris Cocek, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died Friday, June 11, 2010, surrounded by her large family. Doris lived a rich, full life of 92 years.Services for Mrs. Cocek will be held on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 3:00 pm at St. Rita’s Catholic Church (12521 Inwood Road, Dallas). A rosary will be held for Mrs. Cocek on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 7:30 pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home (7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas). Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1918 in Rockdale, Texas, Doris Cocek was indeed a sweetheart to everyone who met her. The daughter of Robert and Vera Harris Simms, Doris graduated from Rockdale High School in 1934. She then attended Tyler Commercial College where she honed her secretarial skills, which she used in her work at H.H. Coffield in Rockdale, Federal Land Bank in Houston, and Standard Oil in Houston. At Standard, she met the love of her life, Bernard J. Cocek, who was an accountant with that company. Doris and Bernard’s courtship was sparked by a mutual love of music, dancing, travel, and their common passion for University of Texas Longhorn football—a passion which they shared with their family throughout their lives. On April 12, 1947, Doris and Bernard married in Houston and began their happy life together. They were blessed with four children. Doris was a loving and enthusiastic participant in the education and extra-curricular activities of all her children. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, PTA president, St. Rose of Lima room mother, and band mom, to name only a few. Her children will always cherish the family road trips, organized by Doris, that took them from coast to coast. On these trips, they learned of America and its history first hand, with Doris and Bernard as their guides. Doris and Bernard moved to Dallas in 1976. As in Houston, Doris and Bernard enjoyed their extensive circle of friends, including those from Tanglefoot dance group, Texas Transplants social club, North Dallas Woman’s Club, and, later, their friends at Treemont Residential Community. Doris and Bernard’s life in Dallas was also blessed by five grandchildren, upon whom they doted. As a mother and grandmother, Doris never missed an opportunity to attend the various activities involving her family and was affectionately called “Grandma” or “G’ma” by family, extended family, and friends. Doris Cocek was an amazing and uplifting role model. Her kindness, generosity, her love for life, her sense of fun, and her deep care for people and the world around her were legendary and there is a void left in the hearts of all who loved her. Doris is survived by her son, Bruce and daughter-in-law Sandy Cocek of Dallas; daughter Jan Cocek and son-in-law Lenny Kong of Seattle, Washington; daughter Carol Cocek of Dallas; and daughter and son-in-law Christina and Richard Anderson of Marshall, Texas. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Jason Cocek and wife Dina, Katie Cocek, Adam Cocek and wife, Rachel, Tyler Cocek, and Rachel Cocek. Others who mourn her loss are her brother Clifford Simms of Rockdale, Texas, and sister- and brother-in-law Virginia and George Pickel of Lincoln, California. She is preceded in death by her parents, and by her beloved husband, Bernard Cocek. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to Dr. Paul Tobolowsky who provided incomparable and loving care for Doris and Bernard for three decades and the ICU staff of Medical City in Dallas who provided wonderful care for our mother in the final three days of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association International.