Arianna Anita Pocs

Born as the 2nd of 8 surviving children of Jazeps and Tekla Bratuskins, near the village of Vilaka, in the northeastern part of Latvia’s Latgale province.

At age of 16 moved to Riga.

In the summer of 1944, Arianna fled to Germany, where son Arvids was born.

Arianna moved  for Australia in 1950.

In Australia she met and married Konstantins Pocs, with whom she had daughter Lilija, eventually settling in the Sydney suburb of Panania.

Iin 1962, Arianna, along with Konstantins and Lilija, emigrated to Chicago, Illinois.

After Freeman Business School she worked in the accounting department at the Crane Packing Company in Morton Grove, IL until retirement.

In 2002 Arianna moved to Easy Street in Washington, Illinois to be closer to family. 

Arianna is survived by

• daughter Lilija (Roger) Stevens;
• grandsons
• Thomas (Courtney Leestma) Stevens,
• Adam Stevens;
• great-grandson Matthew Stevens;
• sister Janina Sprukule of Latvia;

Throughout her life she remained in correspondence with family that remained in Latvia, though she did not return until circumstances allowed following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Her first return to Latvia was in 1990, accompanied by her daughter Lilija. Her second and final return was in 2003, this time accompanied by grandsons Adam and Thomas.

Arianna consistently remained socially active, thoroughly enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbors. She served on various Chicago Latvian church committees and Latvian Organizations. She also enjoyed participating in the St. Patrick’s monthly senior potlucks while in Washington.

A funeral service will be at 1 pm Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Father Steve Willard will officiate.

Visitation will be from 12-1 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church or to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

http://www.deitersfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Arianna-Pocs/#!/Obituary