Cathy Brotko

Cathy Brotko (nee Bogovich)

Age 72, of La Porte, Indiana (formerly of Highland, Indiana) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 12, from complications of Multiple Myeloma. Most people fighting Multiple Myeloma go quietly and quickly, but Cathy fought her illness tooth and nail for twenty years. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton once said, “Afflictions are the steps to heaven.” Cathy suffered many afflictions and heartaches throughout her life, but she was always the first person to ask about your welfare…your illness, your trouble, your children and grandchildren. We all know that Cathy’s steps to heaven will be an easy walk.

Cathy was born August 6, 1952, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Michael and Mary Bogovich, who predecease her. Cathy graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in 1970 and later attended the American Floral Art School in Chicago. Cathy was an accomplished florist for many years, but she loved flowers all of her life. She worked in a flower shop in East Chicago while in high school. Afterwards, she worked for Solan’s Florist, Sandy’s Floral, and Lansing Floral. But Cathy also lived her life surrounded by what she considered the most striking of all flowers—her beautiful children and grandchildren.

When Cathy met the love of her life, Victor Brotko, she met her soulmate. Vic became her best friend and her partner in adventures to Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and many other places. She supported him during the good times and lovingly and tirelessly supported him physically and spiritually during their last days together. Unfortunately, Victor passed away before he could help Cathy through the most difficult last days of her life.

Cathy is survived by her daughters Michelle (Joseph) Oakley, of LaPorte, Indiana; Beth (Matthew) Carney, of Spring, Texas; and Ann Marie Malec, of LaPorte, Indiana; granddaughters Bridget Carney and Madilyn Carney. Cathy is also survived by her sisters Mary Lou (Kenneth) Maginot; Pauline (John) Dergo; and Michaeline  (Thaddeus) Wleklinski; many nieces and nephews; and close friends Chris Evanoff and Mary Bednarek.

Cathy’s sense of humor, kindness, puns, and crooked smile put everyone at ease. Her artistic spirit came across in everything she did, from flowers to crafts to cooking and baking. She especially loved doing artistic “projects” with her daughters and granddaughters; cheering on Notre Dame football; and watching National Geographic, the Food Network, and the History Channel. Despite her husband’s death and her own long-lasting illness and suffering, she refused to feel sorry for herself. Cathy was an excellent listener and observer, and she always asked thoughtful questions about everyone else.  And during the depths of chemotherapy and countless clinical trials, she never lost her game face. Cathy’s memory will live on in the many flower seeds she planted, both literal and spiritual.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, directly at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 9640 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN, with Fr. Gregory Bim-Merle officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:30 AM until time of Mass. Services conclude at the church and entrusted to Solan Pruzin Funeral Home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation https://themmrf.org or donations may be made to the family in Cathy’s memory.

Visit https://www.solanpruzinfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.