Barbara Ann (Murphy) Cocanower

Barbara Ann Cocanower, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 1, 2019 at her home in Osceola.  Barb was born May 3, 1942 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Thomas Gerald and Clares Emma (Grebe) Murphy. Barb was proud to be a drum majorette and member of the first graduating class of Penn High School in 1960.  She later met her high school sweetheart, David Cocanower and they were married at Queen of Peace Catholic Church on May 6, 1961.  They recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.

David survives, along with their three children Gina A. (Kent) Fleener of Granger, Dawn L. (John Podemski) Cocanower of Osceola, and David L. (Kerry) Cocanower II of Tom’s River, New Jersey.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Matthew (Kim) Greene, Emerson Fleener, Tasha (James Jones) Cocanower, Mikayla Cocanower, Kelsey Cartwright, Joshua Cocanower and Grace Cocanower, and six great grandchildren; Brooqlin, Parker, Kareighnton, Brody, Finnley and Ryan.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 2:00 pm funeral service on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Interment will follow in the Garden of Devotion on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Barb was employed for many years as an administrative assistant at Bayer in Elkhart until her retirement 20 years ago.  In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting afghans for her family and friends, reading and listening to music.  She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Puerta Vallarta with her son and Italy with her husband, daughter and son-in-law.  She was also a longtime parishioner at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka.

Barb was the matriarch of her family.  She loved her family immensely and supported her children and grandchildren in their endeavors and athletic events including football and basketball games, cross country meets, soccer games, and especially driving with her daughter to all her granddaughter’s cheer and gymnastics competitions. 

In her memory, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.  To light a virtual candle or leave a condolence for the Cocanower family, please follow the links provided on the “tribute wall” tab above. 

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