Mary Martha Bocinec

Mary Martha (Augustine) Bocinec, age 99, entered peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord on December 10, 2025, strengthened by the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Born on December 4, 1926, in Pennsylvania, she was one of six children and among the first generation of her family to be born in the United States to devoted immigrant parents, Carl Augustine and Rosalia (Straka), from Czechoslovakia.

As a child, Mary delighted in simple joys, especially ice skating in the winter and watching birds in every season. In her early years, she worked in administration at PPG, where her diligence, organization, and determination were greatly appreciated.

In 1951, Mary married the love of her life, Frank Bocinec, and together they were blessed with three children. Once she became a mother, she devoted herself completely to her faith and her family, creating a home rooted in prayer and quiet strength. In December 2004, Mary and Frank moved to California to be closer to family; when Frank was called home to the Lord in January 2007, Mary's deep faith carried her through her grief.

Before Alzheimer's gradually diminished some of her abilities, Mary enjoyed many of life's gentle pleasures: watching the Lawrence Welk Show, Little House on the Prairie, The Price Is Right, and football games, and especially lifting her voice in song at Mass. She never lost her sweet tooth or her eagerness to talk about her hometown and family. Her love for the Church, her parish community, and the Holy Eucharist remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Mary now rejoices in God's kingdom, reunited with her beloved husband Frank, her parents, and three of her siblings. She leaves behind her three children, Francis (Frank), Kathy, and MaryJo; her eight grandchildren, John Jr., Christopher, Scott, Parisa, Brianna, Kamron, lan, and Sara; and her nine great-grandchildren, with a tenth on the way. They will forever cherish her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and constant prayers.

A Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, California, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.