Marguerite D. Kophazi LaRocka
Marguerite D. Kophazi LaRocka, 97, of Bulger, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, in Transitions Healthcare in Washington.
She was born to Joseph and Anna Tuller Kophazi on March 10, 1924, in Burgettstown, and was raised on a farm outside Bulger.
She was a 1942 graduate of Burgettstown High School, and immediately after graduation went to work in a plant making optic equipment and lenses for the war effort. After the plant closed, she went to work for the United States Federal Reserve in Pittsburgh.
On August 7, 1948, she married Salvatore M. “Sam” LaRocka in St. Ann’s Church in Bulger.
“Dolly”, as she was known to her friends, was an active member of St. Ann’s Church (now St. Isidore the Farmer Parish) and the St. Ann’s Ladies Guild, and was one of the last of the original members of the “Pierogi Ladies” group.
Dolly is survived by a son, Joseph M. “Jay” LaRocka and his wife, Linda, of Hickory; several caring nephews and nieces and their spouses; and several close friends who never forgot her through their visits, phone calls, and cards; and her beloved cat “Sugar”.
Dolly was the last member of her immediate family. Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, who passed away on January 2, 1986, were her siblings and their spouses. Brothers, Anthony Kophazi, Stephen (Anne) Kophazi, Joseph “Bud” (Eileen) Kophazi; sisters Rose (Zarre) Gatus, Anne (Daniel) Balduzy, Elizabeth “Betty” (Joseph) Merloni, and Martha “Honey” (John) Parko; twin sons; and many dear, lifelong friends.
Due to Covid concerns, there was no public viewing. A memorial service will be scheduled in the near future.
Mass requests and memorial contributions may be made in her name, to St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, 103 Church Road, Imperial; or the Washington County Humane Society; or to the charity of one’s choice.