Maureen D. Rocha passed away Sept. 23 at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA. She was 94 years old.

She was the oldest of seven siblings. She was born in Lakeview, Iowa, to Marshall L. McComas and Dorothy H. (Sparks) McComas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Marshall L. Jr. and Randall L. McComas, and sister Margaret E. Houchins.  Surviving Maureen are her three children: Dorothy Lee Vesprimi and son-in-law Robert Vesprimi, Della M. Drury-Jenkins and Danny Petersen. She has several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Special to her heart were two greats: Matthew and Joey Bourassa.  She is also survived by three sisters: Janis E. Genovese and brother-in-law Marion Genovese of Iowa, Rita E. Pantano of Illinois and Donna M. Olson and brother-in-law Lloyd Olson of Iowa.

Another person so special in her life was her former husband “Tony” Rocha.  They remained good friends and Tony was there supporting and encouraging her right up to the end.  A special thanks to him from our family for all he did. (And Johnny’s Restaurant - her favorite!)

A special note from her sister Donna, whom she calls “my Baby Sister”. When Donna was born, Maureen was 17 years old.  Donna wasn’t expected to live as she weighed only 3 pounds at birth, but Maureen kept her in a little fruit basket and a light bulb to keep her warm and took over complete care of her night and day for weeks. Well, Donna survived and as Donna grew up, as a toddler, she couldn’t pronounce “Maureen”, so therefore her nickname became “Neenie” and it stuck throughout the years.

This is a note from Donna to Maureen:  My Dear Sweet Neenie,  So many memories and so many phone calls every day, what a wonderful blessing the Lord gave us, to be able to talk to each other several times each day for years.  “Now, the phone is quiet and there are only memories - such sweet memories of you. You loved life, little children and your family and also Joey, who had a special place in your heart. I feel sad today, but knowing that you believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior gives me comfort. Acts. 16-31 and John 3:16. I love you and miss you so much, but I’ll see you again on that great “Resurrection Day”.  I will love you forever - your sister, Donna.

Another sister, Janis, reminds us of her playing her Theater Organ and she was so good at it. Maureen lived alone in her apartment and was very independent until just before she became ill.

She loved dancing and baking. She was so pretty and at about 17 years old, she entered a beauty contest and won first runner up.

Another sister Rita said Maureen helped their mom and dad in their restaurant business and later on in her life, she owned her own restaurants.  Her dream was to be a star on stage in Hollywood, but she gave up that dream to have a family.  Her wardrobe was “Spectacular”.  She was known as “Miss Fashion”.

Maureen was also an L.V.N. (nurse) for about 10 years in Michigan.  She was a great mother to her three children. We have so many wonderful memories growing up with her. Our “Proms”, our “first Dates”, etc. Thanks, Mom, for the great memories. You will be in our hearts and minds forever.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA.  A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, CA.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish: a donation in Maureen’s name may be made to Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.