Mary Claire Brocato Petkovsek, known as “Mickey” to her family and friends, was born March 29, 1924, and passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on Monday, October 3, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of Beaumont, the second daughter of T.A. and Lena Brocato.

As a transfer from David Crocket Junior High, Mary Claire joined the class of St. Anthony H.S. in 1938 where she excelled in school and became a star basketball player. Three years later she graduated Valedictorian of her class of 1941. While there, she met Lucas Petkovsek, who became the “love of her life”. From the first date (the Football Banquet in December 1938), to occasional dates consisting of a “movie and a coke,” and later a chaperoned trip to San Francisco, with many love letters in between, their love grew and the rest is history!

Mary Claire attended Lamar College on scholarship, where she was a member of the Revelers, a class officer, and active in the debate team of Phi Rho Pi. Her first job after attending Lamar was with United Gas Pipeline, secretary to the district manager. Lucas and Mary Claire were married on August 12, 1946 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. She laughingly emphasized to all of us that her wedding was held on a Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., a day and time convenient for her Daddy and Brocato Food Store. They began their married life in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Lucas completed his degree at Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI), currently University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Following graduation, they returned to Beaumont and their family grew quickly. Luke and Mickey raised eight children, keeping their life interesting to say the least. Between ball games and dancing, blue birds and cub scouts, it’s amazing that she had time to volunteer, and always had a delicious meal on the table. Mickey was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, where she served generously on the Parish Council, Baptism classes for parents, St. Anne Ladies, Catholic Adult Organization, and forty-nine plus groups. She was faithful adorer at the St. Anne Catholic Church adoration chapel. She also enjoyed community involvement as a docent in the first docent class at the historical McFaddin-Ward House and John Jay French Museum. We can’t forget the many summer vacations on Bowers Lane at Crystal Beach. Mom and Dad instilled so many life lessons, while entertaining and enjoying their brood (plus a few extras). The surf and sand provided many happy memories that we will cherish forever.

After being a stay at home wife and mother for twenty-five years, she joined the work force again at St. Elizabeth Hospital (1971-1983), ending her career as medical staff assistant to the administrator, where she devotedly served the hospital medical and dental staff. Mom was very proud of this accomplishment and the many lifelong friendships that she developed.

In retirement, Mickey and Luke easily filled their time with twenty grandchildren. They took great pride and joy in each one, ranging in ages from 14 to 36! Mom made each child feel special and unique, never tiring of the constant activity and commotion that filled their home. Mom and Dad enjoyed travel to Europe with stops in Italy and Austria to connect with their ancestry; also traveling the country while enjoying the excitement of their son Mark’s successful baseball career. She and Luke cherished their sixty years of marriage. Mickey will be remembered for her unconditional love and guidance, words of wisdom, and keeping the family traditions alive. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who took pride in her family which was evident to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lucas; and her sister Connie.

Mary is survived by her eight children and their spouses, Lucas Anthony, Thomas Alan (MaryAnn), Walter Scott, Mary Claire Sappington (Jim), Joan Ellen Cook (Burnell), James Edward (Betty), Christine Anne Darling (Bill), Mark Joseph (Heather); twenty grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Warner, Lucas Todd Petkovsek, Tom (Marina) Petkovsek, Matthew (Jessica) Petkovsek, Michael Petkovsek, Eric (Melody) Koch, Gwen Kinne, David (Tracey) Koch, Mary Claire (Jacob) Maas, Shae (Cory) Collins, Elizabeth (Patrick) Laskey, Katherine (Maetin) Temcharoen, Burnell (Maggie) Cook, Jr., Ellen (Robert) Ortega, Lucas Cook, Sara (Justin) Lott, Rebecca (Brandon) Fulencheck, Hannah (Chris) Zilmer, Emily Darling, William Darling, Jr., John Darling, Mark Petkovsek, Jr., and Jack Petkovsek; seventeen great-grandchildren, with two on the way; sister, Jo Therese Phalen; brother, Anthony G. Brocato (Myrna); and sister-in-law, Verdie Petkovsek.

The family would like to express our appreciation to so many wonderful caregivers for the loving and compassionate care that our “Ms. Mary,” received. They are too many to name but you have our heartfelt thanks.

Arrivederci, Mom! Goodbye for now! We will stay close and take care of each other. We love you, and we will keep our Italian traditions alive, especially the biscotti, rice balls and brochilitini! That’s Amore’. XO

A gathering of Mrs. Petkovsek’s Family and Friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Christian Vigil at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2016, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707; St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77704; or to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.