Margaret Straub Mochon

Margaret Mochon, 85

Troy--Margaret Mochon, 85, died Wednesday December 13, 2006 in Troy from complications of Parkinson s disease. Born in Northport, New York, she was the daughter of Ralph Straub and Margaret Shoemaker Straub and wife of the late Donald Mochon. Margaret Mochon graduated from Russell Sage College in 1942.

Her interest in public service began with volunteer activities, as local campaign director of the 1960 JFK presidential campaign and with the YWCA in Troy. In the 1 960s she was appointed the first Director of the Office of Economic Opportunities in Troy, a federal program where she worked to promote the empowerment of grass-roots community groups. Later as a program manager at the Educational Opportunities Center administered by SUNY-HVCC, she was committed to providing educationally disadvantaged individuals with access to education, training, and employment opportunities. Abe Bolgatz, the Director at the time, describes her vociferous advocacy as having a "multiplier effect," her imagination and presence supporting increased commitment of her colleagues. She went on to become Director of the Model Cities Program in Cohoes. A lifelong Democrat, she worked in the District Office of Congressman Ned Pattison from 1975 to 1979, eventually becoming District Manager of that office. Her interest in social programs in Troy continued in her work with the Howard and Bush Foundation in 1978 as grants administrator, and later as a Trustee. She also served as interim director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. In retirement she was a volunteer and case supporter at Damien Center in Troy. Her early involvement in and ongoing support of the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program Inc. (TRIP), exemplified her belief in the importance of local, community-based activism.

She is survived by three daughters, Anne Mochon of Amherst, MA, Katharine Mochon of Woodland, CA, and Christina Mochon of New York, NY; three grandchildren, Ian Demment, Margaret Demment, and Sofia Ciniglio; and a great grandson, Ethan Montague Demment.

Funeral services will be private. Contributions may be made in her memory to Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement and Program Inc. (TRIP), 415 River Street, Troy, NY, 12180.

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