Posted on 10/09/2021 8:23:28 AM PDT by mylife
Mary T. Cocaine, the matriarch of Table Talk Pies who played “an influential role in the growth and success” of the iconic Worcester business, has died, officials said Friday.
Cocaine died at home on Oct. 6, surrounded by family. She was 94 years and was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Christo Cocaine, according to a spokesman for Table Talk.
Born in Worcester in 1927, Cocaine was the daughter of Theodore Tonna, one of the founders of Table Talk Pies. She was the oldest of seven children. She graduated from The Bancroft School and attended Wheaton College.
Cocaine married her husband in 1947 and soon moved to Providence, Rhode Island. They returned to Worcester in 1954 and Cocaine focused on raising her children.
Cocaine leaves her daughter Marina C. Smith of Lexington, her son Harry D. Kokkinis of Worcester and his wife Kathryn Tsandikos, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“As her children grew older, Mary’s appreciation for learning and determination of spirit led her to continue her education,” a statement read. “She returned to college to finish her degree, and graduated from Anna Maria College with a BA at the age of 50. Mary then went on to receive a Masters of Education from Assumption College.”
Cocaine was remembered as an active member of her church, including serving as a member of the parish council. She had a love of music and a devotion to family.
man- i haven’t seen a Table Talk Pie in years- do they still make them?
Dunno, Ms Cocaine is dead you know..
I have never seen the name Cocaine used as a family name. That’s gotta generate a few awkward moments.
“Mary and Christo Cocaine”......?
“Mary T. Cocaine”
I think I’d go to court and try to get my last name changed... just saying.
Eric Clapton wrote a song about her. :-P
Never heard of her.
Never heard of the company.
Never heard of Table Talk pies.
Must be a slow news day.
Must be a slow news day.
And yet here you are...
Her friends called her “Crack”.
She don’t lie.
can I get a coconut cream?
That makes no sense. You must be an idiot.
there you are again
Let me speed up your boring day.
Table Talk was a very big name in the N E back into the 40/50 and in many house holds and kids and Dads lunch boxes as they had a small size pie.
Very good if I recall
I collect memorabilia and have a few of their metal pie trays/plate. 2 small and 1 large
Did a little googling, and it seems that this family did change their name... *to* Cocaine. They’re Greeks by the name of Kokkinis. They anglicized Kokkinis to Cocaine, though apparently younger members of the clan have, quite understandably, changed it back to Kokkinis.
Yes- i’m familiar with the tribute song Eric Clapton wrote for her..
There’s a headline you don’t see every day.
At least her last name wasn’t “Lysergic acid diethylamide”
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