YOAKUM: Mary Ann Pekar, age 81, passed away September 25, 2026. She was born on May 25, 1945, in Hallettsville to Milner and Adela Barcak Smith.
Mary Ann graduated from Yoakum High School in 1963 and was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed attending weekly Mass, when her health no longer allowed her to attend in person, she continued to faithfully watch Mass on television.
Mary Ann had a special place in her heart for children. For more than 50 years, she cared for children through her in-home daycare, becoming an important part of the lives of many families in the community. She loved watching the children she cared for grow up and hearing about where life took them.
Mary Ann cherished her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great pride in following their lives, attending their activities and extracurricular events, and celebrating their accomplishments along the way.
Mary Ann loved animals and especially enjoyed the companionship of her beloved dog, Tessa.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harvey Pekar; daughter, Kimberly Caka (James); sons, Mark Pekar and Quinn Pekar (Kathy); grandchildren, Brandy Matthews, Ashlee Coleman (Calan), Morgan Clary (Griffin), Kendal Pekar (Matt), Karla Pekar, Kaitlyn Kolacny (Drayton), Kyler Pekar (Libby), Lauren Writer (Blayne), Kolton Pekar; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel Smith (Geralyn); sisters-in-law, Linda Smith, Dorothy Smith and Mary Mae Porche (Virgil).
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Dylan Pekar; granddaughter, Haven Pekar; brothers, James Smith and Joe Smith; and niece, Brenda Smith.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Entombment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.
Serving as pallbearers are her beloved grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers are her great grandchildren, Taniyah Matthews, Jaziyah Green, Liam Coleman, Declan Coleman, Ella Coleman, Amelia Clary, Hadley Clary, Myles Pekar, Korbyn Kolacny, Keller Kolacny, Dierks Kolacny.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Foundation.