Obituary of Mary Kearns Petkovsek

LITTLE FALLS – Mrs. Mary Kearns Petkovsek, age 91, entered into eternal rest on Thursday April 27, 2017 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.

Mary was born December 7, 1925, daughter of the late Cletus and Agnes (Harrigan) Kearns. Mary was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Little Falls class of 1943, and State Teachers College at Oneonta, NY in 1947. After the birth of her six children, she returned to the teaching profession in the Little Falls Central School District. She retired in 1987.

On June 26, 1948, Mary married Ernest Petkovsek in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Little Falls, NY, officiated by Father Whelly. Their union of 58 years was characterized by their mutual love and devotion. Ernie passed away June 23, 2005. A loving wife and dedicated mother, grandmother and great – grandmother, Mary was an exemplary family woman. Her family was the focus of her existence; the most important priority and greatest joy in her life. She had a sincere regard for their various interests and accomplishments. She spent many happy hours playing cards and games with them and could be found at their athletic events. She enjoyed the family swimming pool and belonged to the Water Lilies senior swim club at the YMCA where she enlarged her circle of friends.

Mary was a faithful member of the Holy Family Parish in Little Falls and belonged to the Holy Family Rosary Society. She was a member of the Herkimer County Teachers Association, NYS Teachers Association and the AARP of Little Falls.

Mary leaves 6 children. A daughter Doreen and husband Gary Rohacek of Little Falls, a son John Petkovsek of Garland, Texas, a daughter Mary Angela and husband Robert Rybak of Clifton Park, NY, a daughter Anne and husband Mike Seymour of Ilion, NY, a daughter Monica and husband William Wainwright of Little Falls, and a son James and wife Mary Petkovsek of Garland, Texas. Mary was blessed with and derived special joy from her 13 beautiful grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Her three grandchildren that preceded her in death were Eric Rohacek, Mark Petkovsek, and Benjamin Wainwright. Her 10 surviving grandchildren are Karen Montes, Chad Parkhurst, Kristy Ward, Mary Wainwright, Will Wainwright, Jennifer Rybak, Justin Petkovsek, Christopher Rybak, Sarah Dodson and Alicia Wainwright. Great -grandchildren, Jackson Ward, Torri Ward, Paisley Ward, Hallie Ward and Marek Creedon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally, she was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Ernie, three brothers Thomas Kearns, Cletus Kearns and infant Edward James Kearns. Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Calling hours are on Sunday April 30, 2017 from 5 until 8 PM at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls. Her funeral will begin Monday May 1st at 8:30 AM from the funeral home and at 9:00 AM her funeral Mass at Holy Family Parish Church corner of East Main and John Sts. in Little Falls with interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Herkimer. Reverend Terence Healy will officiate assisted by Deacon Joseph DeLorenzo.

In lieu of floral offerings please donate in memory of Mary Petkovsek to either the Holy Family Parish or to a charity of one’s choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Mary and her family were sincerely appreciative toward the Trusted Friends Home Care and their representative Barbara Bladek, LPN as well as Dr. Norman Freund and the nurses and entire staff of Little Falls Hospital especially mentioning the ER and 3rd Floor.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Enea Family, Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea (315) 823-2424. A memorial page for Mary has been established at www.eneafamily.com.