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Donna Elise Mocaby
May 6, 1930 ~ May 18, 2020 (age 90) 90 Years Old
6 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Donna's family - View on Tribute Wall
Donna was born to Helen and Paul Tiller on May 6, 1930, in Oakland, CA. At age one, the family moved to Nampa, ID, and then moved to Boise, ID, when Donna was 14 years old. She attended Nampa and Boise high schools. She graduated from Boise High School and also from Link’s School of Business.
In 1946, while working at Walgreens during her school years, she met the love of her life, Ernie Irvin Mocaby, “a handsome sailor boy,” as she called him. (Their favorite song was “Harbor Lights.”) On June 13, 1948, Donna and Ernie married in Winnemucca, NV, and would have celebrated 73 years together on their next anniversary. During their marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Gerald (Jerry) and Dennis, and one daughter, Debra; five grandchildren, Shawn, Travis, Ryan, Stacia and Alyssa; and nine great-grandchildren.
She absolutely loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond words. She wasn’t just a mother or grandmother to her own but also to many others. Her love was genuine. She also loved her daughter-in-law Esterlina as if she were truly her own daughter. Her son-in-law Don was kind, loving and caring to her and very much loved by her.
Donna worked for Morrison-Knudsen Co., Inc., retiring after 31 years in 1993. Earlier in Donna and Ernie’s marriage, they spent a great deal of time at the Meridian Speedway. She was very proud of the race cars Ernie built and, of course, enjoyed watching the exciting races. (There were many wins!) It was a lifestyle for many years, and many friendships were made as well.
After retirement, Donna and Ernie took a couple of cross-country trips in their motorhome, just the two of them. She also spent many wonderful times camping with as many family and friends she could gather up. They took cruises to Mexico and the Bahamas. But the favorite destination of all was Jackpot and Reno. Many New Year’s Eves were spent in Jackpot, and she loved for her family to join them.
Donna was a member of the Women’s Bowling Association for 50+ years and liked being with her bowling friends (plus their yearly Jackpot trip). She also served on the hospitality committee for Job’s Daughters, during her daughter’s years as a Job’s Daughter. She loved to dance and sing, anytime and anywhere, with friends, family and even her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Truly her greatest love was getting together for family holidays and gatherings. (Thanksgiving was above all her favorite!) She prepared so many wonderful, wonderful dinners….it was all about unconditional family love. Donna never missed a birthday; even if just a card was sent, all were remembered.
Donna passed away on May 18, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. As she had demonstrated her entire life, Donna faced her health difficulties with such strength and courage, which is an enduring legacy to her family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Donna was preceded in death by her siblings, Arlene Koch, LeRoy (Roy) Tiller, Vernon Tiller, Jesse Queen and Vivian Rodig.
She leaves behind many who loved her dearly: Beloved husband Ernie Irvin Mocaby; brother Gordon Rogers; three children, Gerald L. (Jerry) and wife Esterlina (Telli) Mocaby, Dennis K. Mocaby, Debra L. (Debbie) and husband Donald Williams; 5 grandchildren, Shawn Mocaby and wife Jill, Travis Mocaby and wife Jennifer, Ryan Mocaby, Stacia Curry-Cobb and husband Jesse, and Alyssa Curry-Moore and husband Greg; 9 great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center – Boise (especially Floor 4-South) and the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) for their tremendous care of Donna.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Services
Service
Friday June 5, 2020 3:00 PM Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. Boise, ID 83714
Cemetery
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. Boise, ID 83714