Dorothy A. Pettit

July 30, 1931 - March 11, 2016

In New Haven March 11, 2016 Dorothy A. Pettit, 84, of Hamden passed away after a short illness. She was born in New Haven on July 30, 1931 daughter of the late George and Rose Zemetis Pettit. Survived by a brother Richard Pettit of Orange, nephew Richard Pettit of Waterford, and a large family of cousins including Betty Panaroni, Vincent Panaroni and Bruce Lawler. Dottie was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. She continued to pursue her education for her entire life. She was well read and always willing to share her knowledge. After a 13 year career as a Registered Medical Technologist (A.S.C.P) including 9 as the chief Medical Technologist in the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center-Dorothy made her decision to switch careers to fulfill her dream of pursuing a career in the academic world. Focusing on Early 20th Century American History, she earned her B.A. (Phi Beta Kappa), M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of New Hampshire. A recipient of the Newcomen Society in North America Award in Business History for the historical research, her M.A. thesis focused on "The Presidential Election in New Hampshire," and her doctoral dissertation titles; "A Cruel Wind: America Experiences Pandemic Influenza, 1918-1920," lends much content to this present book. After overseeing school volunteer programs for the New Hampshire Council for Better Schools, Dr. Pettit taught history at New Hampshire College and the University of New Hampshire. Dottie always had a strong faith. Her love of church, family, and friends made her a unique individual. Dottie was the original "empowered woman" always moving and ready to try something new. She was an energetic member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Phi Beta Kappa Society, and an avid follower of the UCONN women's basketball team. Go Huskies! She lived a full life dividing her many years between New Hampshire, Chicago, & Florida but always returning to her home in Hamden. Her door was always open and her quick phone calls spurred her friends and family to action. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions to St. Stephen's Church 412 Ridge Rd. Hamden, CT. 06517. Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden in care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com