Beatrice Ann Canizaro LaRocca, lovingly known as “Mama Bea”, 95, of Beaumont, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont.  A native of Beaumont, she was born on September 17, 1916, to Anna Giaratano Canizaro and Joe Canizaro.

Bea married Joe LaRocca on September 5, 1949, and had one daughter. Bea’s most prominent trademark in life was her gentle, sweet nature. A member of the Central Garden Club in the 1950s and 1960s, she had quite the green thumb and loved working in her yard, which always had lots of colorful, blooming flowers. She also played the piano with a musical grace all her own. She was an artist and her soft, gentle hand produced oil paintings, with beautiful bluebonnets and landscapes among her works. Bea also loved playing card games and dominos in her later years; many Saturday nights were spent enjoying Tripoly games and Chicken Feet. She even enjoyed the Bingo games at Collier Park over the last year.

The love of her life was certainly her family!  La Famiglia!  Even though she was somewhat older when her only daughter was born, her grandchildren, Meagan and Michael were the light of her life!  She was even blessed to have a precious great-grandchild, Grace Campbell! Bea’s strong, faithful devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ is surely an example for all of us to follow and treasure for our hearts. 

Survivors include daughter, Gina LaRocca Core and her husband, Bobby, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Meagan Core Henry and her husband, Campbell, of Dallas; and Michael Joseph Core of College Station; great-grandchild, Grace Campbell Henry; brother, Vincent Canizaro and his wife, Mary Jo; sisters, Angela “Wegie” Balsamo; and JoAnne Saleme and her husband, Sam, all of Beaumont; and other loving family members.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe LaRocca; and infant twin daughters, Anna and Vita LaRocca.

A Rosary will be recited for Mrs. LaRocca at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12, 2012, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2012, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703; St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, Texas; or Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Beaumont, P.O. Box 3948, Beaumont, Texas 77704.