Priscilla Haseltine Petit passed away peacefully at home, with her
family, on December 20, 2010, after living fully and bravely with cancer
for two and a half years.
She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on May 4, 1951. She grew up
happily, with her parents, Calvin and Lois (Gadue) Haseltine, and her
family on Blakeslee Avenue in North Haven. At an early age, she also
began a lifelong love for "The Camp" in West Danville, Vermont. She
graduated from North Haven High School in 1969. She received her degree
in nursing from Children's Hospital School of Nursing in Boston. She
later obtained a bachelor of science in nursing from Vermont College of
Norwich University in 1993.
She began her nursing career as a hospital staff nurse. She then moved
permanently to Vermont and helped others for an additional 29 years as a
home health nurse. She worked for the Visiting Nurse Alliance of VT/NH
in various capacities, including Branch Manager. She later served as a
team supervisor at Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.
In 1993, she married Lewis Petit at their home in Moretown. She brought
to the relationship, her beloved son Ashley Courtemanche. She also
brought a deep passion for all things active. She swam far, often, and
outdoors as much as possible. She usually kayaked around lakes, not just
on them. She used the same wood cross-country skis for decades,
typically going past you on any long hill. She also loved biking,
snowshoeing, hiking and camping. A very familiar sight was she and her
husband ballroom dancing, anywhere music could be found. Her connection
with all kinds of music was highlighted by going to many concerts and
music festivals.
Priscilla spent countless contented hours in the flower, herb and
vegetable gardens around her home. She studied herbalism and gardening
widely, both formally and informally. This was a natural match to her
interest in good nutrition and the natural healing arts. She also loved
visiting botanical gardens, as well as the practicing of yoga and
qigong. Traveling was a delightful way to enjoy her activities in other
places, especially with family members along. Large family gatherings
were treasured events, filled with laughter.
Priscilla cherished her family. In addition to her parents of Barre,
husband and son, she is survived by two stepsons, Todd and his wife Binh
of Milpitas, CA, and Tim and his fiancé Anissa of Waterbury Center; a
sister Betsy Haseltine and her companion Steve Hollahan of Charlotte,
NC; two brothers, Davis and his wife Peggy of Plymouth, MA, and Bill and
his wife Mona of North Haven, CT; and several nephews, nieces and
grandchildren. She is predeceased by a sister Tacy Neri, whose husband
is Peter Neri of Sharon.
There will be a memorial service at the Waterbury Congregational Church,
on Monday, December 27, at 1 p.m. The family requests that, in lieu of
flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Vermont Center for Integrative
Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Suite 302, Montpelier, VT 05602, or United
Plant Savers, P.O. Box 400, East Barre, VT 05649.
