In Memory

Mary Anne Spalenka (Pocapalia) - Class Of 1939

Mary Anne Spalenka (Pocapalia)

Mary Anne Spalenka Pocapalia almost made it to her 96th birthday, passing away on February 26, 2017. Born May 5, 1921 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, she was the oldest of five with four younger brothers. She was a high energy, fearless adventurer and took a train by herself to Pasadena when she was only 16. After two years in Pasadena she attended secretarial school and moved to Chicago by herself for employment opportunities. A few winters in Chicago were enough to entice Mary Anne back to southern California. 

During World War II, Mary Anne was a secretary for a plastics company. One fateful day soon after the war, Dan Pocapalia, who had recently started up Kit Manufacturing, walked into Mary Anne's office; two years later they were married and had five beautiful children. Over the next 63 years Dan and Mary Anne were a committed life team. The Pocapalia Clan enjoyed a 'town and country' life-style in Rancho Palos Verdes. Family was always the most important part of life for Mary Anne and large family reunions were held annually. 

Mary Anne was a devout and involved parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Also civic minded, Mary Anne headed up a non-profit, Community Assistance to Homeless Youngsters, and pursued legal rights for foster children in California. Later in life, Mary Anne was a court docent and taught students on field trips how the judicial system worked. Mary Anne loved to travel and not just to fine museums, chateaus and palaces, but also to the jungles of New Guinea, South America and Africa. Mary Anne's love of music and theater were nourished by season patronage to the Dorothy Chandler Music Center, Disney Hall concerts and patron of the Russian National Orchestra. Fortunately for her children, Mary Anne often took them along on these adventures and cultural experiences.

Mary Anne is survived by her five children, Maria, Daniel, Diana, Richard, and Ann Pocapalia; four grandchildren; and her brother David Spalenka.

Daily Breeze, March 12, 2017