Sara Ann Petkovic

SARA ANN PETKOVIC nee Cain, beloved wife of the late Joseph E Petkovic, passed away on May 17, 2016 surrounded by her ever devoted children. Her last days enduring cancer were done with courage, grace and dignity. She was born on January 17, 1930 in Hiawatha, Kansas to Margaret and Thaddeus Cain whom preceded her in death. Loving mother of Deborah Gramc, Joseph E. and Douglas J. Petkovic. Devoted grandmother of Robert M. Jessica Gramc, Gregory A. Katie Gramc, Jacob J., Alexandra Z. and Caroline Z. Petkovic. Great grandmother of Mackenzie A., Hudson M. and Jackson K. Gramc. Sara cherished her sister Maxine M. Komaransky and the late Mary Alice Watral of Boston, MA. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their families. Sara also had 6 cousins in Kansas that were known as the "Bailey Clan" and will be dearly missed by them. Sara was a "tried and true" friend who had many, many friends as they felt they could talk to her about any and everything. She was also there when they needed help with finances, family issues or just a shoulder to cry on. We would like to thank all of mom's friends for their loyal friendship but especially the Cappelli family, Dr Anthony and Mary Kay Kosoglav and Robert Weidel. In the early years, the Cain family came to Cleveland for work as the city was bustling in manufacturing. Her father started a "box lunch" business and that is how Sara started her career in food and cooking. As a young woman, she held many jobs including bookkeeping and front office for the Hollenden House Hotel, office work for the Finneberg Antenna Company, Winger Brothers meats and on to waitressing at many restaurants across Cleveland. She didn't always have an easy life, but the one that made the most impact on her life was working for the Standard Oil Company in their new adventure in the 1960's when they opened Hospitality House Motor Inn located in Willoughby OH. Because of her work ethic and knowledge in the industry, they asked her to train all dining room staff on proper etiquette, customer service and food quality. She was a great role model for all. One of her responsibilities was to write a manual for them on this. This began her passion of food and cooking. Many a Sunday did she pack her 3 children in the car, pick up her mother and start out for the day looking for a "good" fried chicken place to eat it, and she loved fried chicken from her farm days in Kansas. She was a spectacular cook and has taught us all how to make wonderful meals and different types of food. Also, Sara had an extensive cookbook collection that she read all the time always looking for a challenge to create. In 1970, with the help of family, she opened Fountaine Bleau Party Center in Avon Lake and there embarked a 26 year career in cooking and catering. During that time, Sara and her husband were also part of the founding members of the North Olmsted Hockey Club that their sons played for. Sara continued to be a part of the "Mother's Hockey Group" that still meets frequently for lunches to catch up on everyone's family and to stay in touch. She loved to have fun with the grandchildren and make Sunday and holiday dinners for all of us and others. Her dogs Peppie, Caesar, Kahlua, Bear, Bauer, and Easton brought so much joy and comfort to Sara throughout the years. Throughout her life, our mother was devoted to her family and we will continue her legacy by showing generosity and compassion to those that are less fortunate and will also continue to cook in her honor. The family wishes to thank all of Sara's doctors, nurses and caregivers throughout this journey for their loving care and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that contributions be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17816 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland OH 44110. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 1pm to 8pm at Monreal Funeral Home 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, OH. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Church 4129 Superior Avenue, Cleveland oh 44103.

Sara Ann Petkovic

January 17, 1930 - May 17, 2016

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