Roberta Evelyn Brocato

Roberta Evelyn Brocato, 99, of Lake Charles entered into Heaven Monday, July 6, 2020 from a local healthcare facility. 

Mrs. Brocato was born March 7, 1921 to Cyrus and Amelia Miller of Fenton, LA.  She was born and lived most of her life in Lake Charles.  A Class of 1939 graduate of Bell City High School and just three years ago was honored as the Grand Marshall for the Homecoming Parade.  Amongst her proudest accomplishments, during World War II while her husband worked as crane operator on the docks, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” Welder in New Orleans for Warfare Ships, none of which ever failed inspection.  Mrs. Brocato last demonstrated her skills fifteen years ago “in her MID EIGHTIES” when lending her son-in-law some very impressive techniques for his project.  She enjoyed the opportunities of travel in following her husband’s career in construction that led them to two years in Caracas Venezuela and two years in Casablanca North Africa.  They then set out to travel to his homeland of Italy and explore the cities of Rome, Vatican City, Sicily and Paris before returning to make Lake Charles the home their daughter would begin elementary education.  It was shortly thereafter, Mrs. Brocato began her career as salesclerk working her way to a very well-respected buyer position, traveling to market in Dallas and New York, retiring with over thirty years of service to Muller’s Department Store.  She last enjoyed touring New York with her daughter just before 9/11.  She acquired quite a green thumb over the years, keeping her yard manicured well into her eighties, experimenting with plants and flowers and nurturing her “prized” pecan tree.  She also loved meeting the girls for many years of Card Day Thursday; Poker in the morning and Booray in the afternoon. Skip-Bo was her family favorite.  A woman of faith and prayer, Mrs. Brocato was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church as long as she was able.  She was a timeless lady of grace, always well spoken, well dressed and well put together.  She will be most remembered for her love and devotion to her Lord and her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Cynthia Brocato Harrington and husband Ray of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Ray Harrington, Jr. of Lake Charles; Leslie Harrington Materne and fiancé Craig Fontenot of Lake Charles and Robbie Harrington Fusilier and husband Robert of Lake Charles and five great grandchildren, Bradley Vincent Materne and fiancé AmyJo Dupuis, Blake Anthony Materne, Brayden Avery Fusilier, Andrew Louis Fusilier and Baleigh Harrington, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Vincent Brocato; parents; four brothers; five sisters and infant grandson, Avery Harrington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:30 PM Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Father Samuel Orsot will officiate.  Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery.  A rosary service Thursday in the funeral home will begin at 12:00 PM and visitation will follow until 2:00 PM as we prepare to leave for the church.

Considering current COVID 19 circumstance, the family of Mrs. Brocato and the Catholic Diocese, respectfully request all attendants wear face masks. 

Memorial donations may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation https://themmrf.org/