COCKER, MARGARET JANE nee LOONEY

 

Margaret Jane Looney was born in 1888 at Oakura, the second daughter of Ewan and Margaret Ann Looney nee Quayle.� She married John Cocker at Oakura in 1904.� They made their first home at Omona, Eltham and later lived for 30 years at Rawhitiroa, until they retired to Eltham in 1942.

 

Margaret was the first president of the Eltham WDFU branch and a member of the executive of the Stratford, Eltham and Hawera branches and helped in the establishment of many branches throughout the province.� She was also president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union for a long period and a staunch worker for the Red Cross, being president of the Eltham branch for many years.

 

During World War Two, Margaret took a great interest in patriotic work and the despatch of overseas parcels.� A member of the Methodist Church, she was closely associated with the choir and other activities.� Margaret was also a member of the Eltham Loyal Orange Lodge (Women's section).

 

Margaret Jane Cocker died on the 3 March 1947 at Eltham aged 59 years, and is buried at the Eltham cemetery.

 

SOURCE

Obituary "Hawera Star" 5 Mar 1947