Rebecca Smith Bocchino

Rebecca S. Bocchino passed away on January 1, 2026 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on February 22, 1958 to Bernice and Owen Smith, who both preceded her in death. She grew up in Lexington with her brothers, Buford and Pat, and sisters, Nancy and BJ.

Early in her life, Rebecca developed a passion for music. She was First Chair Violin in the Lafayette High School Orchestra. In her spare time, she taught herself to play the piano. As an adult in Utah, she played fiddle in a country band to help make ends meet. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she loved singing in Church and in the car with her family. This passion and talent was passed on to all three of her children.

When we lived in northern Virginia in the 1990’s, Rebecca became involved in advocating for parental involvement in their children’s education. Not afraid to confront a hostile education bureaucracy, Rebecca organized parents to ensure their views were heard. She met with local political leaders, state legislators, and the Virginia Governor to influence policy. She appeared on local television talk shows and nationally syndicated radio shows to make her case. The success of her hard work lasted years after we left Virginia and moved to the west coast.

For the last 25 years, Rebecca lived with her family in Clark County, Washington. She loved the Pacific Northwest especially Mount Rainer. She is survived by her husband, Josh, with whom she was married for over 37 years. She lovingly raised two sons, Josh II and David, and a daughter, Diana. Rebecca was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for over 47 years.

Rebecca’s greatest joy in life was loving her husband, her three children, and eight grandchildren. Her second greatest joy was loving all animals, especially her dogs, Lacey and Annie, and cats, Ginger and Beamer.

Funeral services will be private.