Irene P. (Papciak) Hocker, 70

LEWES - Irene P. (Papciak) Hocker of Lewes passed away at her residence Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 70.

She was born April 8, 1937, in Quakertown, Pa., daughter of the late Edmund T. and Edna (Zuchlinski) Papciak.

Mrs. Hocker was a long ime resident of Lewes and a member of St. Peter"s Episcopal Church.

She enjoyed relaxing on her screened porch admiring her beautiful gardens. She was an avid reader and bridge player, and enjoyed arts and crafts.

Mrs. Hocker was employed as a bookkeeper for several local businesses throughout her life. However, her most cherished time was spent raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas M. Hocker Jr., in 1991; her grandson-in-law, Staff Sergeant Robert Stanley, who died in Iraq in 2007; and a sister, Marie P. Newell.

She is survived by her fiance, Jim Brittingham; three daughters, Deborah Hazzard of Lewes, Kathleen Wood and her husband Greg of Rehoboth Beach, and Patricia Medd and her husband Robb of Lewes; and seven grandchildren, Jayme Hazzard Stanley, John Hazzard III, Katherine Hazzard, Zachary Wood, Caitlin Wood, Devin Medd and Alexa Medd.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. Mark Harris officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Peter"s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.