Ann N. Pettit

Ann N. Pettit bid farewell to this world on October 23, 2010. Her heart, filled with love from a life well-lived, came to a peaceful rest during one last gathering with her children. She was 71 years old.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Alice Mary Conley and Charles Joseph Pettit II, Ann suffered the loss of her mother at the early age of three. Her father later married Anna, who brought a loving sister and four rambunctious brothers into her life. Busy were the days playing on “the stoop” and romping through the cemetery, her childhood playground.

Before finishing high school, Ann married her high school sweetheart, Carl Hole, and together they had Carl and Kimberly just eleven months apart. Some years later, Ann and Carl divorced, and Ann went on to meet Donald Nelson in the spring of 1961. Married in Anchorage, they added three more to the family—Dawn, Karin and Carolyn. In 1970, Ann and Don moved the family back to his hometown of Vashon Island, where Ann would spend most of her remaining years.

Following a long span working full time as a mother and community volunteer, Ann ventured out into the world of work, beginning as a secretary in a local real estate office. Being a quick study, she soon earned her escrow license and went on to receive her real estate license and launch a career as an agent. Ann continued in real estate for the better part of her career, earning her broker’s license and taking ownership of the Key West Realty office.

Ann was happiest when she was connecting with people and of service to others. In her business career she found joy in mentoring many new agents and took pride in helping people to find a home. As a community volunteer Ann spent countless hours as coach, youth group leader, den mom, and volunteer for PTSA and the Food Bank. She held positions as President of the Vashon Broker’s Association and the Vashon Business Association and chaired the local Strawberry Festival. One of her favorite endeavors of all was taking part in the magic of the “Letters to Santa” tradition over many Christmas seasons.

Above all, Ann had an affinity for bringing people together. Whether it was planning a family holiday get-together or spear-heading a community event, she knew how to make people feel welcome and have fun. We will remember with special fondness the numerous dances that Ann held. Decked out in sequins and sparkly shoes, she held dances at every possible venue, from the VFW to the Grange Hall, just for the pure joy of getting friends together to dance!

All the best on the next leg of your journey, Mom. We will be forever touched by your kindness, generosity, and warm spirit.

Ann is survived and greatly missed by her five children, Carl Nelson of Cle Elum, Kimberly (Craig) Fish of Enumclaw, Dawn Nelson and Karin Nelson of Seattle, and Carolyn (David) Zike of Vashon; their father, Donald Nelson of Vashon; and five grandchildren, Taylor Nelson of Seattle, Jackson and Katie Fish of Enumclaw, and Will and Mira Zike of Vashon. She is also survived by her sister, Joan (John) Lokis and brothers James (Emily) Pettit and Charles (Elaine) Pettit of Waterbury, Connecticut, and brothers Richard (Georgette) Zukowski and Joseph (Nancy) Zukowski of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ann’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at the Vashon Presbyterian Church located at 17708 Vashon Hwy SW on Vashon Island, Washington.

Funeral arrangements provided by People’s Memorial of Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann’s name to Vashon Youth and Family Services, PO Box 237 Vashon, WA 98070.

Paid obituary.