Barbara J. Pettit, age 87, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Parrish, FL, completed her earthly journey on July 29, 2026, at home while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Barbara’s life, a private family burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Brandon, WI.

The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Barbara’s family.

Barbara was born on June 4, 1939, in Evanston, IL, the oldest of six children to Joseph and Agnes (VanDekamp) Pettit. She was gifted with an eager spirit to learn and a gentle heart to serve others. Barbara was a proud graduate of St. Scholastica High School Class of ’57. She continued her education at Mundelein College where she received her BS in 1961 before moving on to Marquette University where she earned her MS in 1965 and her PhD in Physiology in 1967. Curiosity, reading, research and skill mastery were central to her person.

Barbara took her knowledge and skills into the classroom as a professor at Life University in Marietta, GA, and with the Jersey City State College in N.J. Barbara also found her home in a Universal church in California and Montana, spending more than a decade as editor for their audio and visual materials. Later in life, Barbara’s spiritual journey and studies in health and healing became a focal interest and complement to her service work. She embraced each chapter and adventure life brought her way. Work, to Barbara, was love made visible.

Barbara was a fiercely independent woman who appreciated the quiet moments in life, and also understood there are times to laugh. Her enthusiasm and mastery of sewing and knitting were legendary among family and friends. She was a devoted end-of-life caregiver for her own mother; as a volunteer for hospice; and in service to elderly animals. Once called to service, Barbara never faltered from her position and faithfully shared her love with those in her care.

We are going to miss Barbara moving forward and are grateful for every memory she leaves behind.

May our hearts find comfort in time despite her physical absence from our daily lives and may her legacy continue to live on within the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish the memory of Barbara include,

her five siblings,
Marya Pettit, Puerto Jimenez de Osa, Costa Rica,
Anthony (Margie) Pettit, Lusby, MD,
Roseanne (Richard “Bear”) Arbizzani, Dubuque, IA,
Patrick Pettit, Nashville, TN,
and Bernard Pettit, Dubuque, IA;

along with nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents.

Barbara’s family would like to thank the Dubuque Fire Department, Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Medical Examiner’s office for their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com