WILMINGTON — Mary Heather Petroni, aged 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Wilmington, NC.
Born on February 10, 1928, in Cheltenham, England, Mary lived a rich and vibrant life marked by her creative spirit and dedication to community and family. She married Arthur Petroni September 23, 1948 at Saint John’s Church in her hometown of Cheltenham. They moved to South Fallsburg, New York, where Mary became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America on May 25, 1959.
Mary’s professional journey was characterized by her roles in administrative capacities, working diligently at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, NY, Western Development Corp. in Washington DC, ISM Associated, Inc. in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and U.S. Viewing Corp. in Washington, DC. She retired at the age of 71 after a commendable career spanning several decades.
An alumnus of North Gloucestershire Technical College and Sullivan County Community College, Mary was not only devoted to her career but also to lifelong learning and skill development. She taught sewing at Sullivan County Community College, sharing her passion and expertise with many students over the years.
Mary’s personal life was filled with diverse interests and hobbies. She was an avid seamstress, and took up painting at age 80. She was among the founding members of the New Dominion Chorale in Arlington, Virginia in 1990 and joined the Ms Virginia Senior America Cameo Club as a singer/performer. She loved to travel, and collect antiques, as well as stamps. Her creative pursuits included making clothes for her family, painting acrylics of various scenes and people, and documenting life’s moments through photography and 8mm home movies.
She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA, where she was deeply involved in church activities and loved singing in the church choir.
Mary’s legacy is carried on by her son Louis Petroni, daughter Heather Petroni, granddaughter Elyse Petroni, grandson Alex Petroni, and nephew Simon Young. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Percival Young, and her brother Clive Young.
A Memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2609 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA, on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401-7335, in memory of Mary’s compassionate spirit and her lifelong commitment to helping others.
