Helen Marie Pociecha passed away on December 28th, 2023 unexpectedly.

Helen was born August 8, 1948, to Harlen and Virginia (Eacker) Merkel in Freeport IL. She grew up in the Lanark and Mt. Carroll area.

She married Gary Hockman in July 1965, 2 sons were born to that union, Mike and Marty.

In 1987 she married Tom Pociecha and gained a bonus son, Tom Jr. They were married 33 years until Tom's passing in 2020.

Throughout her life she worked as a waitress, bookkeeper, retail, job consultant and HR.

Family was everything to her, loving every minute of being Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. Her spare time was spent reading and cross stitching, making many beautiful keepsakes.

She is survived by her sons, Mike (Bobbi) Hockman, Marty (Jolene) Hockman, and her daughter-in-law Andrea Pociecha. Her sister Gloria Randecker, Sister-in-law Jan Merkel, and half brother Steven Laux. 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren plus 1 special niece and 3 special nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Bradley Paul and sister Sharon Kay, and son Tom Jr.

Cremation rites have been accorded, a private burial in Mt. Carroll will be at a later date.