Margaret Jean Pettit

Margaret Jean Pettit (née Benger), 92, cherished wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on March 14, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jean's hero and beloved husband of 68 years, Bob, predeceased her in 2021.

Jean is survived by her five children, Will (Rachel) Pettit GCH James and Sarah; Peggy (Dale) Rumel; Robin (Mike Miller) Pettit GCH Cole and Aidan; Lynn (Nick Decd) Ricci GCH Cody, Nicole, Elisha and Brian; Robert (Cassi Decd) Pettit GCH Corbin and Alexis and Robert's fiancée Amina and children Zain and Zara; her GGCH Allie and Quinn; William and Elizabeth; Tevin, Taylor and Nathan; Alyssa, Rebecca and Jovi; Jalen, Austin and Natalee; and Caden, Marcas and Logan; her sister-in-law Eve (Walter Decd) and family; her cousin Lois Coo; her cousins through marriage, the Gay, Ward and Savini families; her long-time friend Vera Sisson and other dear friends.

Jean was born March 23, 1930, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, to Manfred and Muriel (née Clark) Benger. She had two brothers, Walter and Bill (both Decd). Jean was raised in Port Arthur on the shores of Lake Superior. She lived her life firmly planted in the terrain of her upbringing, staying true to her Scottish heritage and Presbyterian faith. Sternness, spareness, and stoicism were trademarks, along with hard work, compassion, dignity, and grace. After graduating from Collegiate High School, she went on to become a Registered Nurse at Toronto General Hospital, earning her credentials in 1952. She returned to nursing in an ophthalmology practice after her children were raised. Jean and Bob wed on June 20, 1953. Her capacity to adapt was evident from the beginning of their marriage, as they made their first home in eastern Texas. From there, it was on to Michigan, Maine and, in 1965, Arizona. She achieved dual citizenship in 1959, when she became a naturalized US citizen.

Jean's enduring support of Bob's cancer research work and ability to adapt led to an adventure-filled life. Bob's research involved the family in a great deal of field work, primitive camping and hiking. The family traveled from Mexico to Hawaii to the far reaches of Alaska and the Canadian North. Their cabin in Eagar, Arizona was a favorite travel destination in later years. Jean's dedication to writing travel journals, along with other correspondence, gave the family lasting memories to treasure. The herbarium books she created with help from her children supplemented Bob's plant collections. Lakes were her favorite spots to camp. She excelled at swimming and if she could get her children together for a swim it was a fun way to get everyone a bit cleaner! Using buckets of glacial water for hair washing was not uncommon. If she wasn't on the trail herself, she was the beacon of light guiding others in from the trail with her campfire. Reading by the light of the fire gave her some quiet time. She often pressed wildflowers within the pages of her books. Even while camping she looked elegant. Her only extravagance was her coffee made on the Coleman stove or a cheap cup purchased at stops along the road.

The Mom of Moms, she was fiercely committed to her family. She was the hub of the family wheel, the center of communication. All were drawn in by her warmth and selflessness. She was a good listener, always more interested in others than in herself. Although too modest to agree, she was an excellent baker, cook, seamstress, piano player, and editor. She was an exceptional caregiver. She derived joy and calm from music, art, reading, and animals. Her laughter was infrequent but wondrous when it occurred. Her beauty was everlasting. She had high standards for her children, respecting their choices, but expecting them to work hard at whatever they chose to do in life. Her reserved nature belied an openness of mind that could accommodate the wild assortment of characters she considered to be her family. Her love and generosity extended beyond her own five children to all those connected to them. She delighted in the births of babies, always willing to help with the children. Being related through blood was of no matter. She loved with her whole heart and it was reciprocated. The family enjoyed spoiling her because she refused to spoil herself. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildrens' thoughts about what made her special could fill pages. The participation in, and impact on, their lives was extraordinary given that she had already lived a long and full life. Everyone was sent sweet surprises that would arrive in the mail. So much thought was put into each card, note and gift. Her penmanship was a marvel. She took great pride in her family and will be missed always. She leaves a legacy of love that lives on.

In final days, her toughness of spirit was as it had been throughout her life. In keeping with her preference for spare living, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Jean's memory to any one of her favorite charities, which include UNICEF and The Salvation Army.