Joan Elaine Petit

Date of Birth

July 16, 1954

Date of Death

January 6, 2013

City of Death

Santa Barbara

Joan Elaine Petit, 57, of Santa Barbara, died Sunday January 6th after a long hard battle with cancer. She will be remembered as a mother, a friend, a teacher and a musician, who loved her guitar, students and her family.

Joan was born on July 16th 1954 in Riverside, CA. She graduated from Poly High school in 1972 and received a BA in Liberal Studies from Evergreen State College in 1976. She married Michael Petit in 1980 and gave birth to two sons.

While her primary calling was as a dedicated mother, Joan found her passion in teaching. Her keen ability to interact with children and help them to develop a well-adjusted emotional state was Joan’s greatest thrill. Her favorite moments were when she would sing and play her guitar for a classroom filled with her students.

Above all else, Joan loved her family and the time she could spend with them. Whether it was a gathering of her immediate family or a party with the extended family, Joan lived for those gatherings and the close bonds shared with her parents, children, brother and cousins.

In her last months, she found a new strength of spirit and a spirituality that was marveled and loved by those who were closest to her. She truly left her mark on all those who surrounded her, and her loved ones will forever remember her strength and peace.

Joan is survived by her two sons, Geoffrey and David Petit of Santa Barbara; parents, Rachel and Jim Dudek; and brother, Jed Dudek.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Santa Barbara Hospice, which provided wonderful care to Joan and overwhelming support to her family.

A remembrance will be held at Leadbetter Beach from 11:00am-1:00pm on February 9th. Friends of Joan are invited to bring pictures and share memories with each other.

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