Sophia Marie Hecox Hooks (1920-2020)

HECOX, HOOKS, KRAFT, WHITACRE, BACHMAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/6/2020 at 06:58:22

Sophia Marie Hecox Hooks 1920 - 2020
MUSCATINE, IOWA - Sophia Hooks, 99, passed away on June 3, 2020 at Pinnacle Elder Group Homes.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at St. Mary's Cemetery.
The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Iowa Beacon of Hope Hospice.
Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Sophia, daughter of Margaret and Bernard Hecox, was born in Hempstead, NY, on July 26, 1920. She grew up in Little Falls, NY, eldest of three siblings. Sophia enjoyed playing piano and dancing. She met her future husband, Leo, in elementary school and they graduated from St. Mary's Academy together. Sophia attended The College of St. Rose, Albany, as a scholarship student. She was involved in music and dance performances along with her academic studies.
After graduation, she began her teaching career in New York State. Leo and Sophia were married on December 24,1943, before he shipped out on Army duty for a few years. During that time, Sophia worked in Pasadena, CA. They then lived for a few years in New Jersey. They raised five children in Corry, PA, where Sophia was very active in St. Thomas Parish and taught English at Corry Area High. The family moved to Muscatine, IA, in 1969, when Leo accepted employment at HON Industries. Sophia taught typing at Central Jr. High.
She was also active in Catholic Daughters of America, St. Mathias Parish, YMCA and Retired Teachers. Gardening and sewing clothes for her four daughters kept her busy as well.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ellen Kraft (Ken), of Bremerton, WA, Greg Hooks (Leah), of Grand Rapids, MI, Susan Whitacre (Jan), of San Diego, CA, Joan Hooks (Kevin Klier), of Jensen Beach, FL and Carol Bachman (Neil), of Muscatine, IA; her nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Sophia was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her siblings, Bernadette Hecox and Ward Hecox; and her grandson, Adam Burch.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the excellent care Sophia received over the years at Pinnacle Group Home directed by Barbara and Wesley Stalkfleet.

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Published in Times Telegram from Jun. 3 to Jun. 5, 2020.