Petri, Edith Gerda Franz (1932-2008)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2008 May 26 p. 9

Birth date: 1932 Jan 23

text of obituary:

EDITH PETRI

Edith Gerda (Franz) Petri, native of a Mennonite community in Montau, West Prussia, and formerly of Greencroft Retirement Community in Goshen, Ind., Wood Dale, Ill., and Chicago, died May 11, 2008, at age 76.

She was born Jan. 23, 1932. She first came to the United States as an MCC exchange trainee in 1955 and stayed with the Imhoff family in Roanoke, Ill. Although she considered herself blessed to be an imported American, she lived as a stranger in this world and is now home.

She was the beloved wife of the late Hans Petri. She was a dear sister, aunt, cousin and friend of many. She was up-to-date and in good stead with her vast array of friends. She will be remembered as loving, generous, kind, genuine, honest and full of life. She lived out her faith. She had a gift and calling of hospitality and made everyone feel welcome. She was the mutually adoring and loving “Oma” of Hannah, Luke and Esther and the “bestest” mashed potato and cookie maker. Although she was in chronic pain, she lived each day fully and did her best to make her little corner of the world brighter for all those who were around her. She lived a life of gratitude and contentment. She loved the arts, traveling, knitting and sewing. She was always ready to help when it was within her abilities. She was a longtime active member of Lombard (Ill.) Mennonite Church and was currently a member of College Mennonite Church of Goshen, Ind.

Survivors include her children, Friedrich “Fred” Petri and his wife, Sharon Byerly, of Chicago, and Annette Anderle and her husband, Kevin, of Appleton, Wis.; and three grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held June 7 at College Mennonite Church.