Viola Dobecka Kocian

Viola was born in Weimer, Texas to Annie (Pokluda) and Joseph Raymond Dobecka. The family moved to Nada and later the Hillje area. Upon graduation from El Campo High School, Viola moved to Houston and worked various jobs until she began working for Hughes Tool Co. and later in the offices of Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1950 she married the love of her life, Hugo Kocian from Moulton, Texas, and they made their home in Houston, Texas, where they raised four children and were long time parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. They moved to Longview, Texas in June of 1971 following Hugo’s career transfer with Continental Can Company. After that move, Viola began a second career in the customer service office of Sears. Later, again following Hugo’s career transfer with Continental Can, she and Hugo spent time in Caracas, Venezuela and later moved to New Jersey where Viola continued to work for Sears. They later retired in Longview.

In Houston, Viola and Hugo were members of SPJST Lodge Hall 88. Viola also held an office in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel chapter of the KJZT. After moving to Longview, Viola and Hugo were founding members of SPJST Lodge 179, where each served as president. Viola was also a member of Catholic Daughters. She volunteered often and was always willing to help others. She was profoundly devoted to her faith, cared deeply for others, and will be dearly missed.

Viola is survived by daughter Rose Franzen (Donald), Austin, Tx; son Dennis J. Kocian (Enid), Brenham, Tx; daughter Donna Kocian Rosenblatt, Waco, Tx; daughter-in-law Shirene Kocian Petty (Mike Petty); brother Clarence Dobecka; grandchildren Rachel Hill (John); Sara Beste (Jason); Candice Bullock (Chris); Dale Kocian (Drea); Brooke Trahan (Jared); Christian, Becket and Aiden Kocian; Kiley Petty; Aidan Petty (Mikayla); great grandchildren, Caroline and David Hill; Xavier Beste; Austin and Henry Bullock; Cora Kocian; Norah and Roslyn Trahan; Emry Petty.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband Hugo Hubert Kocian; daughter Cathleen Ann Kocian; son Ronald Dean Kocian; granddaughter Dawn Marie Franzen Harvie; son-in-law Michael Rosenblatt; mother Annie Dobecka; father Joseph Raymond Dobecka; brother Edwin J. Dobecka; sisters Anna Dobecka and Marcella Labay.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Viola’s memory to Hospice Austin at https://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved/donate/donation-form/ or by check mailed to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9500 Neenah Ave., Austin. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a rosary service to follow at 1:30 p.m. She will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Rosewood Park Cemetery and Mausoleum in Longview, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Kocian family.