Elizabeth Tekawitha Cocca, inspirational Friend in Santa Monica Monthly Meetings for over two decades, and teacher for nine years in First Day School, has died at the age of 84 in Lomita, California on February 10, 2021.
Elizabeth led her life in accord with her sense of joy in her religious beliefs. To remind Friends that we can live conscious of personal peace each day, she gathered us in a circle with a ringing bell at noontime during Fellowship. She led us in her original peace song, ‘Chime Noon Peace Bells.’
As a dedicated teacher, she taught younger children for nine years at First Day School, allowing their parents to fully experience silent worship. At rise of Meeting,she enjoyed introducing each child to display their artwork, or describe what they accomplished in First Day School.
Elizabeth surrounded herself with the artistic and colorful creations which expressed her spiritual journeys. She found ways to share her life and art with several community groups, and with her fellow Friends. She offered programs in which people expressed their own personal experiences in groups she gathered together.
Santa Monica Meeting misses her voice during Meetings for Worship, her smiling expression and the childlike delight she brought to Santa Monica Friends.
Elizabeth is survived by her son, Joe Cocca, and granddaughter, Violet.
