Mary Peper Jockish

December 20, 1932 ~ September 28, 2020
Mary Peper Jockish, 87, Greenwood, entered into Eternal Life on September 28, 2020. Mary was born December 20, 1932, in Lebanon, Indiana. She was the daughter to Owen and Ruby Peper and sister to William, Oliver, Wayne Peper, and Vye Peper Speitel, who all preceded her in death. Two sisters-in-law, Jereoline Peper and Marjorie Kreuzman, survive, along with a host of nieces and nephews. Mary graduated from Lebanon High School. She continued her education, graduating from the Indiana Business School in 1951. She worked for General Motors for five years in public relations.
She met the love of her life, the dashing Harold Jockish, through friends. They married on August 6, 1955. They were married almost 63 years at the time of Harold’s passing in 2018. They exemplified commitment, teamwork, patience, and giving to the community. They settled in the Indianapolis Garfield Park Area and expanded their flower business, Jockish Flowers, which was started by Harold’s parents in 1945. Mary kept the accounting and helped with delivering while raising their six children, Christopher Jockish, Julie (Paul) Catania, Jill (Dan) Deak, Jane (Gary) Young, Jennifer (Jack) Carr, and Joanna Jockish. She also loved her grandchildren, Mary Catania (Zach) Vance, Samantha (Jeff) Wilham, Logan and Zach Deak, Tom and Megan Young, David and Gracie Carr, and Paul (Kymberly) Catania, Jr.; great grandchildren, Joey and Nick Catania, Devin Wilham, Maverick and Kamryn. Mary enjoyed watching all of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She always gave a helping hand in her fun, loving, patient, and kind way.
She also loved local sports. A quiet woman, she would surprise her grandchildren hooting and hollering for her favorites. She also had a passion for travel, and her love of games was equally apparent during countless matches of Rummikub, and Chinese Checkers, in which she expertly won with a smile and tiny giggle.
Mary and her children loved animals, especially horses, so the family moved to the “country” in Greenwood. She was a member of the Women’s Floral Society, volunteered at Meals on Wheels, and was secretary of the riding club, Valley Riders. Mary had a faithful, honest, generous, and humble soul. She embodied Christ.
A special thank you to The Hearth at Stones Crossing’s dedicated employees, past and present, for the care given to Harold and Mary, especially Kristy and Channel.
The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 5901 W. Olive Branch Road, Greenwood. Friends and family will gather there from 12 Noon until Mass on Tuesday. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Catholic Youth Organization. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
I didn’t know Mary personally, but I know she raised a wonderful son, Chris, and we have been blessed by his goodness and kindness for many years. So sorry, Chris and all. I lost my brother, Tom Harmening, yesterday, so I truly know your loss. God bless all of you.
To The Entire Jockish Family; Please accept our condolences and count on our prayers. John and Deb Madden
To Chris, Jill, Marjorie and all of the Family: What a legacy that Mary has left. She lives on in this world through all of you. —Ray Heilman Newburgh, Indiana
I was so sorry to read about the death of Mary Jockish. I will keep Jill and Sam and their families in my prayers. I know how hard it is to lose a mother/grandmother. Jan Mernone
We were truly saddened by the passing of Mary. She always had a smile and words of encouragement for anyone who was lucky enough to meet her. She lived a life full of laughter, love, and commitment to her family. She and Jock are smiling down on all of you today and will continue to love and guide you on your life’s journey. Your memories will forever keep her in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today and in the coming weeks and months ahead. Bob Perkins and Dave and Pat (Perkins) Pund
Thinking of you all today. So sorry for your loss.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. I am Garnet king. Audra (Peper) Lane’s oldest daughter. I remember Mary’s smile. She always was ready to give a great smile. When my dad (Chet Lane) died , your Mom and Dad sent a beautiful terrarium. Mom enjoyed it for several months after his funeral. My brother Jim and myself are the only ones of Chet of the Lane family left. Ralph Peper, my grandfather, is gone, His youngest daughter, Barbara(Bobby) and her husband Frank Gentry and there daughter Carolyn Sue are all gone also. Daryl Lee is still living. My very best wishes to all the family and again I am sorry for your loss.
Our most sincere condolences for your loss. Patrick and Martha Cissell
I didn’t know the family, I’ve known Chris for a long time thru racing. Sorry to hear about your families loss. Sincerely, Larry Hoppes
What a beautiful video! I remember your mom being so generous and caring to me when I would come over and visit with Jennifer. She had a gentle and kind soul. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Chris and family your mom and dad were wonderful friends of my parents. Please accept my condolences for your loss. Kindest regards Mike Kasper