CAMDEN — Patricia Mary (McGrath) Cokinis, 82, beloved wife of Nicholas Cokinis, passed away peacefully at her home June 26, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden Jan. 23, 1931, she was the precious first child of Francis Patrick and Phyllis Mary (Stratton) McGrath. On Feb. 7, 1952, she married Nicholas Cokinis of Rockland, a handsome young man that she had met while riding the Tolman Bus Line, which operated between Thomaston and Camden. They have been inseparable ever since.

She was a member of the first graduating GED class at Camden High School, and attended these classes alongside her brother, Tom, and her father, Pat. Her academic scores were so high that she was entered immediately into college and was unable to attend her own graduation ceremonies because she was attending classes.

Pat owned and operated Security Real Estate, which she purchased from Henry and Dorothy Dietz in 1969. The office was first located at 14 Chestnut St., next to the Post Office, and then was later moved to the family home at 97 Bayview St. She was honored as the recipient of the prestigious "Realtor of the Year" award twice during her real estate career. Pat also served on many local and state boards of realtor organizations and had attended several national conventions.

The Cokinis home, once owned by her maternal grandparents, was then purchased by her paternal grandparents when she was a small child. Patricia would often proudly state that seven generations of her family had slept in that home. Pat and Nick had an open door policy, where a number of children and adults in the community could freely come and go. Although they had only two children of their own, Pat and Nick became friends and surrogate parents to many who have since become life-long friends. They played a very important role in developing the lives of young people through their own life's lessons with strength, love and compassion.

Patricia was always active in her community, serving on the Camden Zoning Board of Appeals, the Camden Planning Board and the Camden Board of Senior Citizens. She was also a member of the Knox County Democrats and the Rockland Emblem Club, and she was a founding member of the Down East Jazz Society.

During their retirement years both Pat and Nick enjoyed some time working for Walmart in Rockland. For several years they volunteered for Meals On Wheels, delivering meals to recipients throughout Knox County and making many new friends. She was also a valued volunteer for the American Red Cross working on blood drives and devoting many hours attending to those who save lives through blood donations locally.

Her hobbies included knitting, swimming, gardening and socializing at many events with Nick. Their favorite pastime was dancing, something the couple was well known for. People often would clear the dance floor and watch when Pat and Nick started doing the jitterbug. Pat also took great pleasure working on the family ancestry with their daughter, developing the family tree.

Surviving are her two children, Linda (Hall) Peek of Lewiston and Chris Cokinis of Hope; two grandchildren, Nicholas Fernandez of Lincolnville and Tristina Peek of Lewiston; one brother, Stanton McGrath and his wife, Marie, of Corpus Christie, Texas; one great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Fernandez of Rockland; and many loving nieces; nephews; and extended relatives. She was predeceased by two brothers, James Francis McGrath and Thomas John McGrath.

A memorial gathering will be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals On Wheels, c/o Methodist Conference Home, 46 Summer St., Rockland, ME 04841.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with the Cokinis family by visiting their book of memories at longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.