GRETA LOUISE KOCHANEK, 77, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 30, 2017 at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, North Carolina. Her devotion to her family and her abiding faith in God supported her throughout her life and gave her peace.
Greta was born on August 18, 1939 to the late Fredrick Griffin and Mary Louise Bradford Griffin in Livingston, Montana. She was immersed in the Christian faith that would be her lifelong support from an early age. She met and then married Donald R. Kochanek on September 6, 1957 and they began their long journey together of almost 60 years.
Greta was blessed with a large and loving family and raised her five children with efficiency and grace. She believed in hard work without complaint and taught her children about family, love, discipline and Jesus' love for us. We all especially remember her for her great laugh that could be heard for miles and her giving nature that has nourished not only her family but friends, neighbors and numerous strangers in need. She was clearly the center of our family and ran every event and family get-together with extraordinary organization and great food. She had a huge sweet tooth that she has passed along to all of her children and we will all remember her for the special cakes and treats she prepared for each birthday and Christmas every year that have become her legacy and ones that we continue with our children today.
Greta was an educator at heart and not only taught her children many important life lessons, but also spent most of her life teaching Sunday School, Bible School and leading the choir. She had a beautiful voice and sang often in church and many choirs throughout her life. Later in life she volunteered in many capacities both at her church and with Central Carolina Hospital. She was always giving to others and rarely took care of herself or sought any recognition for her efforts.
Greta is already dearly missed by her loved ones, she is survived by her husband, Donald; her children, Brad (Sue), Upland, Indiana; Donald Bruce (Misty), Gas City, Indiana; Scott (Debbie), Lewisville, North Carolina; Colleen (Stephanie), Wilmington, North Carolina; and daughter in law Kerri Lehmann. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who were the light of her life. She is survived by her siblings Charles Griffin (Pat), Seven Lakes, North Carolina; Bob Griffin (Connie), Rockford, Illinois.
Greta was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Griffin; mother, Mary Louise Page; stepfather, Charlie Page; sister, Patricia Sherwood; son Phillip James who she is now visiting with in heaven and laughing her wonderful laugh.
There will be a viewing at the Southside Baptist Church in Broadway, North Carolina at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 2, 2017 with a service to follow at 3:00 pm. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted and donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.