“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Described as fearless and determined, Manuela “Nellie” Preciado Carpio Cochran was a strong woman. At 20 years old she moved to America from Mexico. Unable to speak English, Nellie left her family, and all that she knew, for the hopes of a better life. Nellie passed away Friday afternoon, October 3, 2014 in Sterling House of Mansfield following a long illness. She was 84.
She was born January 23, 1930 in Pilares de Nacozari, Sonora, Mexico the only girl of five children to Manuel Carpio and Maria Lorenza Preciado. Nellie excelled in school, and made the tough decision in her early 20’s to better her life, moving to Arizona with family. It was while working in California; she met George Cochran, a handsome soldier, on a blind date. The couple courted and married February 19, 1953.
Nellie and George made their home in Mansfield raising their two children. She took great pride in their home and was an immaculate housekeeper. She was an excellent cook, and worked in several kitchens at local restaurants.
Described as “prim and proper,” Nellie believed in traditional values and principles. Family was always first, and she delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter Linda Feeman of Bellville, son George Cochran, Jr., of Westminster, Maryland, eight grandchildren Eric (Shelli) Feeman of Mansfield, Joel (Rachel) Feeman of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Drew (Chasity) Feeman of Bellville, Courtney (Justin) Dill of Bellville, Alan (Jamie) Feeman of Galena, Kyle Feeman of Ft. Benning, Georgia, Lindsey Feeman of Ft. Wayne and Rachel Jones Cochran; 19 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Mary Yeager, Clara Powell, Margaret Cochran and Jeannie Cochran all of Mansfield, along with many nieces and nephew and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George Robert Cochran, Sr. in 2005, and four brothers.
Friends may call Monday, October 6, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. The Very Rev. Father Nelson Beaver will officiate and burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in honor of Nellie may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Expressions of support and sympathy may be made by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
