Carol L. (Kestner) Kocher

She was the loved and cherished mother of Marie (Ronald) Herbert of New Sewickley, the late John "Spike" Kocher (Allason Holt) of Pittsburgh, and Brian of Clearwater Florida. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Sariah and her adored grandpup, Thunder.

Carol was born in Bauerstown to the late Edward and Dorothy Kestner and granddaughter of the late Adolph and Marie Sutterlin and the late Edward and Florence Kestner. She was the loving firecracker sister of Edna (Donald) Zimmerman of Glenshaw, Dorothy (the late Fiore "Nick") Fischetti of Hampton, Valerie and Karen Kestner of Shaler. She was preceded in her passing by her sister Beverly and Edward. Carol was also preceded by her husband, John "Jack" Kocher and special nephew Michael Zimmerman. Surviving their crazy aunt are Ed, Ken, Scott Zimmerman and Dianna Lee and Dave and Donna Fischetti. She was loved and treasured by her best friend, Sue (Richard) Holt.

Along with the strong love for her family, she was an avid and sometime rabid Pittsburgh sports fan. She loved her Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Panthers. She could have purchased a small island if she would have had a curse jar during games!

She had a joy for cooking and baking, especially when she would find a new recipe for someone to bake something new to try. She knew who liked what and made sure everyone had their favorites on their tray for Christmas. Her ultimate hobbies would be building puzzles and hook latch rugs. It was always a challenge to find a puzzle or rug that would take her some time to build or hook. One of her favorite puzzles was an Emmit Kelly clown that she had built and has displayed in her home, along with many others as well as a large hook latch rug.

In the last few years, she and her best friend, Sue, would go to bingo in Sharpsburg and "hit" the At Home store, and living the gnome life. Carol had an extensive collection of gnomes, each of which had their own special place.

After the passing of her husband and soon thereafter of her son, Mama enjoyed shopping sprees and "mama/baby girl" road trips, especially to Niagara Falls, NY via Route 5. But her favorite road trips were always to see her son-in-law lead " The Eldorado Band", Dollar Tree, and Red Robin of course! We were still in search of more adventures, hoping her imaginary brake would work!

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at St. John's Lutheran Specialty Care, for their grace and compassion in her care. In Carol's honor, please wear black and gold, your favorite Pittsburgh team or green, but mostly come comfortably. She will be loved and missed until we embrace her in God's home.

Visitation will be held at H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, on Sunday August 30, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.