Obituary of Jessica Stuart Petry

Jessica Stuart Petry, 85, of Boonton, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Jessica was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland to William and Emma (Corbett) Archibald in 1935. She spent her childhood in Londonderry where she discovered her love of singing in her church’s choir. 

Jessica and her family emigrated to Toronto where she met her beloved husband, Barrett “Barry” Petry. The two were married in June of 1957 and then moved to the US. They raised their two children, Sharon and Kevin, in Boonton, NJ and remained Boontonites for over 50 years.  They spent summers in Ocean City, New Jersey, a tradition that her family continues today.

Jessica was the Assistant to the Principal at John Hill School in Boonton for twenty-five years. She took pride in knowing every student who walked through the door and it was often said that she “helped run the school.” Jessica valued her community immensely and sought it out in every aspect of her life. From participating in weekly mahjong games and golf at Peace Pipe with friends to bringing cookies to her local doctor’s office to dining at the Plaza Restaurant, where she and Barry were regulars.  Jessica could often be seen in local shops looking for a bargain!  She was also a longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.  She never hesitated to give kindness to everyone she met and touched countless lives. Although she was a life-time Boonton resident, she enjoyed traveling back home to Northern Ireland to visit her family there.  She and Barry also traveled to countless destinations, namely Michigan, Florida and Bermuda.  

Jessica embraced her role as “Granny” as she was known to her family and friends. She had a true gift of making children feel cherished and extended that outside of her family as well.  She was immensely proud of each and every one of her grandchildren. Her love for her family was boundless and she enjoyed every time that everyone could get together.

Predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Barry and her son-in-law, Andrew; Jessica is survived by her son, Kevin Petry (Kristin); her daughter, Sharon Bittman; her grandchildren, Jillian, Ryan (Maddie) and Clayton Petry; and Samantha and Riley Bittman.

Please join the family for a walkthrough visitation on Friday February 26, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Ave, Boonton. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Boonton.  A private memorial service will take place in the spring.