Marian Pettit, 81; Dedicated To Family And Volunteer Work

Marian Craig Pettit, whose life was devoted to volunteer work, travel and her family, "represented an extraordinary example of a generation that isn't going to be with us much longer," according to her son-in-law, Doug Norberg.

The only daughter of a Hoquiam druggist, Mrs. Pettit's life was shaped by her education at the University of Washington and by a celebratory trip she took around the country after graduating from the UW in 1933.

She died in her sleep Monday, three days shy of her 82nd birthday. A memorial services was held yesterday at the Epiphany Church.

Mrs. Pettit went to the UW after graduating from Hoquiam High School. She became a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was secretary of the student body and a member of the board of control.

The experience fueled a passion for service in charitable groups and social organizations.

When Mrs. Pettit graduated from the UW she and two other women took off in a new Plymouth on a drive around the country. The trip led to a lifetime of travel with her husband of 56 years, Lester Pettit.

The couple traveled to Siberia as recently as this past summer. They traveled to other parts of Russia two years ago.

While her husband founded the local insurance brokerage, Pettit-Morry, he and Mrs. Pettit raised their five daughters in homes in the Denny-Blaine area, a farm in Issaquah and in North Seattle.

Most recently, they lived in the Washington Park Tower in Madison Park.

Mrs. Pettit was a member of the Sunset Club, Seattle Golf Club and Seattle Tennis Club. She was president of the women's board of the Seattle Tennis Club.

Her charity work was focused at Children's Hospital and Medical Center, where she was an active member of the Frances Skinner and Highlands Guilds.

"She made those kinds of contributions tirelessly," said Norberg, one of five sons-in-law. "She held on to those values and was remarkable in that."

Besides her husband, Mrs. Pettit is survived by five daughters: Penny Martin of Medina; Nancy Norberg and Molly Mercer of Seattle; Virginia Robbins of Point Reyes, Ca.; Barbara Whitridge of Stockton, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Child Hearing League, 1620 18th Ave., Seattle, WA 98112, or Residence East, 600 124th N.E., Bellevue, WA 98005.