Carolyn Marie Petrach, or Mom to us, went home to God, family, friends and her beloved husband Pete on Tuesday, June 14th, 2022. She was born on October, 21st, 1938 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was the youngest of 6 children, born to Phillip and Margaret Yockey, who have both preceded her.
She grew up in Saginaw and fell in love with a gentleman from a neighboring town. Upon her graduation from St. Peter and Paul high school, she was soon married to that gentleman and they embarked on the journey of their lives. She went with him to the East Coast, where he was stationed on the USS Coolbaugh. Upon completion of his naval duties, they returned to Michigan where he joined the Michigan State Police. They spent most of their lives stationed in East Tawas, where they raised their five children.
Along the way, Carol held many jobs. She first started with Michigan Bell Telephone where she worked part time during her high school years. She would often recall that during her senior year in high school, she would “ring up” the ports where her fiancée would be pulling into from a sea deployment “It was easy” she would say “when you’re working on the long distance switchboard”!!! In the Tawas area, she worked for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and Wurtsmith Federal Credit Union.
In 1987, she and Pete relocated to Hale, Michigan where they lived out the remainder of their lives. In Hale, they both worked for Bernard’s Lumber company before finally retiring in 2000. She enjoyed travelling around the country in their RV/trailer and made many friends along the way. She was an accomplished artist and enjoyed sitting in her enclosed patio and painting outdoor scenes. She was very active with her church choir at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
She is survived by her five sons: Jim (Jody) of Mt. Morris, Charlie (Bonnie) of Borrego Springs, CA, Robert (Karen) of Vassar, Mike (Carol) of Kingsley and Phil (Stacy) of Napa, CA. In addition, she is survived by her sister Kay and brother Phil. She has 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider a donation to Tawas Holy Family School, St. Jude’s, or your favorite charity. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com to share condolences and memories of Carolyn.
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