Mary Irene Pett

Washington - Mary Irene Pett, of Washington D.C., passed away after a brief illness on December 15, 2023. Mary was born on April 26, 1934, in Providence, Rhode Island to the late William Alfred Pett and Irene Pett. She attended Aldrich High School in Warwick, Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics-Economics from Pembroke College in Brown University in 1956. She maintained a home in Washington D.C. for the last 60 years. Mary was 89 years of age.

In the city of Providence, Rhode Island, Mary Pett, along with her two siblings, emerged as a trailblazer. Born and raised in an environment of exploration and creativity, Mary's childhood summers were filled with sailing and swimming in Narragansett Bay alongside her father, coupled with a deep engagement with the arts under the guidance of her mother.



Distinguished by her independent spirit and a forward-thinking mindset, Mary's commitment to education set her apart. Graduating from the prestigious Ivy League, she defied societal norms of her time, where women were expected to prioritize marriage and family. Unyielding in her pursuit of knowledge, Mary continued her academic journey, returning to Brown University through teaching and aspiring towards a Ph.D. in Economics. Her unwavering determination echoed her mantra-Mary was truly her own woman.



Embarking on her professional journey in New York City, Mary exemplified self-empowerment and self-sufficiency, proudly securing her first apartment, a five story Manhattan walk-up, while working for a New York insurance company. She later ventured into a career with the federal government at the U.S. Department of State, the Civil Aeronautics Board (predecessor to the Federal Aviation Agency) and Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., holding notable roles such as Economist and Negotiator on international air passenger charter movements while she served on the OneDOT International Aviation Negotiating Team and authoring foundational documents in the field of international aviation. Most remarkable were her adept and successful negotiating skills with counterparts on issues that often blurred economic and technical lines. Her groundbreaking, innovative work led in the development of policies that positioned America's air transport industry to retain a leadership position in the era of global air transport networks and provide transport access to millions. Her work in the Middle East and Africa, in particular, Saudi Arabia - was a testament to her resilience in a male-dominated field. Mary's positions facilitated her deep passion for global travel, taking her to countries such as the Czech Republic, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ukraine, and Egypt. Paris, the City of Lights, held a special place in her heart.



It was during her tenure with the federal government that Mary met and married her beloved husband of 27 years, John Eiland, in 1981. A union that complemented her independent spirit and added a new chapter to her already remarkable life. John died in 2008 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.



Nurtured by her mother's love for fine and performing arts, Mary immersed herself in cultural experiences-frequenting the theater, opera, and ballet in New York and Washington DC. She enthusiastically appreciated many genres of music, art, theatre, movies, and cultural events. She was a voracious reader, interested in both contemporary and classical literature, poetry, and biographical non-fiction. Like her mother, Mary was an artist in her own right-a skilled seamstress and clothing designer, and a dedicated student of Navajo weaving. Her artistic pursuits reflected her multifaceted nature.

In 2013, Mary rediscovered love with Bill Wildprett, a friend since birth, solidifying their connection after years of separation. Settling in Washington, D.C., they shared a home and life filled with shared interests-reading, domestic and international travel, appreciation for the arts, dinners with friends, and discussions on classic films from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Through Bill, Mary became an honorary member of his Kilo Company, 3Bn, 26 Marines, actively participating in events hosted by the Marines.

Mary is survived by her loving partner and childhood sweetheart, Bill Wildprett; brother, William Pett; sisters-in-law, Mary Paolino and Carolyn Sovet; stepdaughter, Jan Eiland; niece, Wendy Erin; nephews Alex Sovet, Will Pett, and Ian Pett; and a host of other cousins, great nieces, and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her sister Ruth Pett and parents Alfred William and Irene Pett and will join her husband John with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mary's impact extends beyond family, touching the lives of numerous friends in the D.C. area. She was a prominent figure in the All Souls Church, an organization near to her heart, where she supported HUD post-riot rebuilding. She was an active member of Power Talk International, an organization devoted to woman leadership and citizenship through the art of oral expression without bias. Her legacy of kindness and generosity lives on through her contributions to philanthropic and artistic institutions in the region, ensuring that the spirit of Mary Pett continues to inspire and uplift. Her high school yearbook said it well:

'Mary Pett, a willing worker who toils long, she does it well and is seldom wrong.'



A private burial service will take place at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Women's Health Initiative, All Souls Church, and the Brown University Sailing Club.