Mabel Brocchini has been presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Manteca Historical Society.

The presentation was made on Thursday night at the annual meeting of the Manteca Museum. Nearly 100 people were on hand to recognize Brocchini for her outstanding commitment to the Manteca community and her family.

Brocchini is a founding charter member of the Manteca Historical Society, has a lifetime membership with the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, and was the Chamber’s Special Events Committee Chairperson for 25 years. She helped start the 39-year-old annual Chamber Christmas Parade with Gladys Brock, the late Chamber manager, and helped lead the way with Operation Christmas to collect gifts and letters for soldiers in Vietnam. She was instrumental in starting the Manteca Ag Tour, and is a member of the Manteca Hall of Fame.

The Chamber also honored Brocchini by establishing an annual community service award that carries her name.

Mabel was the wife and life-long partner of the late Aldo Brocchini of Brochinni Brothers’ Farms, and Hardware Mart (Ace Hardware) in Manteca The businesses were operated in partnership with Albert and Rina Brocchini. Mabel and her husband also opened Accent Carpets’ two stores - one in Tracy and one in Manteca - in 1974.

Mabel (DeMarco) met her future husband in 1942 while attending Manteca High. They married in 1947 and built their 1,000-square-foot “dream home” on Woodward Avenue that grew along with their family.

Mabel’s three children Lori, Marvin, Janet and their families helped celebrate their mother’s special recognition at the Manteca Museum.