Anita G. Pettibone, 87, formerly of Rocky Hill, N.J. passed away peacefully in Niantic, CT, June 9th, 2019. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, John S. Pettibone. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Michael Toole, and Cara and Gary Lovering, her grandchildren, Rebecca Toole, Thomas Toole, Caroline Lovering and Samantha Lovering and other dear family members. Anita was born in Philadelphia, PA to Anthony and Tess (Czeslawa) Grabowski. She was raised by her parents and extended family members, within her Polish community of Bridesburg, PA. She graduated from Frankford High School and worked as a secretary until marrying John. She and John started their life together in Levittown, PA, later settling in Rocky Hill, NJ where they raised their family and lived for more than 50 years. Anita was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She dedicated much of her life to raising her children and supporting her husband. She made cherished memories for her grand-children. She tended to the needs of her aging mother-in-law and father. Then, in their later years, was selflessly devoted to her husband’s care. Anita will be remembered by friends for her beautiful smile, hospitality, thoughtful gifts, and a visit or phone call just when it was needed most. She was artistic and used this talent to brighten the world of those around her, creating a lovely home, yard and garden, drawings, paintings and holiday celebrations. She shared beauty more widely in making floral arrangement for the church and delighting customers at “The Greenery”, a florist shop that she and John owned. Anita cherished the Rocky Hill community and actively served the Rocky Hill Community Group, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, and First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill. She was also a volunteer in the Girl Scouts of America, Montgomery Township Schools, Walk for Crop, Princeton Area Swimming and Diving, and the American Heart Association among others. A memorial service is being planned for August 10th at 11:00AM at the Harlingen Reformed Church in Harlingen NJ. Lunch will follow. In honor and memory of Anita, please give flowers, a gift, your time or a smile, to someone in your community. Contributions to the Rocky Hill First Aid and Rescue Squad in Anita’s name, are also welcome: http://www.53rescue.org/donate.html.
