Anita Petruska Behrens

On Sunday, April 12th 2026, our dear mother and granny entered eternal rest at the age of 87. She was reunited with her late husband, Malcolm S. Behrens, Sr., her parents John and Martha Petruska, and her siblings Shirley Ferrantelli, Hilary Macalusa, Anna Hartdegan, Lorraine Adams, John Petruska, Jr., and Mabel Petruska.

She is survived by her two children, Malcolm S. Behrens, Jr. and Tianne Flach (William “Billy”), her only granddaughter and her world, Alexis Anita Flach; and bonus grandson, William Anthony Flach. She is also survived by her two grand dogs, Dixie and Bea Flach; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anita was a kind, strong, generous, and a witty woman who always knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face. Her attention to detail was evident in everything she did. She always made sure that everyone was taken care of before herself. She took great pride in her family. Her greatest gift was being able to retire, take care of and spend time with her granddaughter Alexis from the day she was born, which was her 62nd birthday. In her early years, her and her husband’s house and camp were always the party spot. She was the ultimate entertainer and one of the best cooks in New Orleans. She taught her family many recipes, but the most important was Malcolm learning her shrimp and mirliton casserole recipe and Alexis baking her pecan pies for every holiday. As time went on, the parties transitioned to her daughter and son-in-law’s home. She was always present, whether she was sitting at the counter supervising her daughter decorating or sticking her head out the back door to ensure Billy was barbecuing correctly. We always waited for her hilarious commentary.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, Metairie, LA on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:00am. Visitation will be held at church starting at 10:00am. Interment will follow mass in Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, LA.