Cirilia J. Coca, “Lila” passed away on August, 16″‘, in Laramie, peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinsons. She was born in Laramie on July 9th, 1955 to Cora and Jerry Coca. She was thrilled that Laramie threw her a Jubilee Days parade that her mom watched from the old lvinson Hospital. She was the third child of eleven siblings.
She graduated from Laramie Senior High in 1973. She played volleyball and was a talented violinist as well as a bright student. She and her sister Mary Ellen and friends were instrumental in establishing the first girls’ varsity volleyball team sporting homemade jerseys. She began a student internship prior to graduating with the Medicine Bow Route, National Forest Service. She was hired as a full-time employee on June 21st 1974. She was an exemplary and far too dependable employee. She worked tirelessly and many extra hours to ensure all her tasks were done to her meticulous standards. She started in the mail room and worked all the way up to Human Resources Specialist. Her career spanned 43 years and she retired in 2017. Her Forest service career culminated in a 1950’s themed party that she insisted on planning herself. She then directed others to make it happen and dress accordingly. She volunteered for many committees for parties and played on several co-ed softball, soccer and volleyball teams. She made many batches of enchiladas and other dishes to share. She took her younger siblings and later nieces and nephews to their legendary Christmas parties where “Santa” gave the best presents. After her mother died in 2006, she further filled the role of “mom” making sure that everyone was taken care of and was doing what Grandma Coca would have wanted. She was an incredible motherly role model for her entire family.
She was an avid athlete, playing softball, soccer, volleyball, and bowling. The pins screamed when she bowled and heaven help the baseman who was on the receiving end of one of her super sonic throws, or line drives. Later she faithfully attended her nieces and nephew’s (and great relatives) sporting and school events no matter the weather or how far she had to travel. She had a lovely singing voice and was a talented cake decorator, event planner, and rosary maker. She watched every episode of Gunsmoke, Murder She Wrote, and the Rifleman at least 10 times.
She is pre-deceased by her mother, Cora Coca, brothers Tony Sisneros and Jerry Coca, infant sister Francis, and God daughter Jessica. She is survived by siblings: Treece Bailey (Torn), Elauteria (Teri) Frazier (Jeff), Mary Ellen (Mark) Earnhardt, Rock (Julie), Jeff (Juventina), Anthony “Christy”, Laurence “Lencho” (Alanna), Julieann (Jay), God daughters:
Louisa Lopez, Ariel Earnhardt, Jessica Coca, Bianca Coca, Sarah Dobkins, Shelby Wright, and Anabel Coca.
Above all she loved God and her family. Mother Mary was a source of grace and mercy to her. She mothered all of us and was the most amazing person that many of us were blessed to know. Being even a small part of her well lived life was a blessing.
Rosary will be held at St. Laurence Church on Thursday, August 21rst at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will take place Friday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. lnurnment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. A celebration of her life will take place at St. Paul’s Newman Center after the burial.
Lila was one of the kindest people I've ever known. She would do anything for anyone in need. This is a great loss for her family and the people who knew and loved her.
Coca and extended family So sorry for your loss. I played ball and other sports with Lila. She always had a smile on her face and I can still hear her giggle and laugh. People that knew her were blessed to have her as a friend, and she had lots of friends.!!! Rest peacefully my friend!!
She was a very nice person. I'm so sad to hear this. Condolences to family and friends.
Bless all the family. Lila was a kind soul, one in a million.
Christy You're sister was well loved. Prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family and friends. Lynda Moeller TSD
Christy Your sister was well loved from all the condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss and pray for comfort and peace for your entire family and friends. Your work friend Lynda Moeller TSD
Dear Lila's family - I found out about Lila today from my Aunt Phyllis Winder. It was heartbreaking to hear this very sad news. I knew that Lila had gotten ill after she retired from the Forest Service and her family was taking care of her. I have fond memories of living about two blocks away to the Coca family on the West side of Laramie, we knew the whole family! Lila was beautiful, smart, strong, kind and a hard worker! She was not a push over by any means due to being part of a big family (with lots of brothers). She had a very strong Christian faith and set the example to everyone who knew her in life, church, and her work at the Forest Service. I know that our Lord welcomed Lila into his arms immediately in Heaven! We will always love and miss Lila, until we met her again in Heaven! Love and God bless the Coca family! Karla (Madrid) Parker
Our condolences to all of her family. Lila was such a kind and nurturing woman. I was always impressed on how she could balance her church book on the back of a pew. What a special lady. RIP Lila. Gone but not forgotten.
I first knew Lila when we had next-door lockers in junior high school. She made everyone she knew feel comfortable right away. We were never close but were always friends. After high school we lost touch, but when my sister began work at the Forest Service, Lila was one of her finest colleagues and advocates. Her smiling face and willingness to make every day and every occasion a great one will be missed!
I am sorry to hear about the loss of my dear friend, Lila. She was a very compassionate, kind and friendly woman, I met her in junior high school. She was a talented athlete in different sports and I enjoyed watching her play in volleyball. Lila will be in my thoughts for her family.
Lila is one off the best people I know, and that's saying something because I know her entire immediate family of wonderful people. She excelled at taking care of the people around her, whether they were family, friends, coworkers, or strangers. With her no-nonsense but compassionate approach, she was superb at getting things done and taking care of the people she met along the way. She is missed already. My heartfelt sympathy to those who love her, and especially to her family.
I am sorry to hear of Lila's passing! She was my first and the BEST supervisor in HR with the Forest Service. She taught me that you never say something or someone is "just" xyz. Everything has a worth. She was patient, funny, smart, a leader and above all a friend. I know she loved and adored her family. I can only imagine how many lives have been blessed by her. When you need a helping hand look up to the heavens and she will be there to fill your heart with the warmth and love she was always willing to share. Love you Lila and you will always be in my heart! Deepest sympathy to all her family!
I am so sorry to hear about Lila’s passing! It has been a long time since I have seen my cousin but I have great memories of her as we grew up. I remember playing softball in the park with her and Mary Ellen. I do know that she will be missed because she always thought about how she could take care of others. My condolences go out to all my cousins. I wish I could be there to be with you during this time but my prayers and thoughts are with you! Love Greg and Teresa Heitman!
Dear Loved Ones of Lila: Lila was one of the sweetest people I’ve known. What a blessing she was for your family and all who knew her. May you find comfort in your memories during this difficult time. You’re in my prayers. Tammy Comer (Niemoller)
Thank you
I can safely say the news of Lila's passing was a shock for me. Besides my interview, Lila was the first person from the Forest Service to call me. I always looked to Lila for her expertise in the government personnel regulations, and then to her cooking skills. She will certainly be missed. My condolences to you, her family, and to the Forest Service family. Everyone lost.
She was such a loving lady. So kind and always with a smile on her face. God bless her & her family. I will miss seeing her in church, but I know she is so happy with the Lord and her deceased family members. God bless you Lila.
May God bless you and keep you my sweet Godmother Lila.