Obituary of Mary Frances Petties

Mary Petties, 89, of Piscataway Township, passed away at her home on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Born in Dawson, Georgia, to the late Jack and Estella (Wade) Watson, Mary was raised with her seven brothers and six sisters. 

In 1952, Mary married Oscar D. Petties Sr., who preceded her in death. They were married for 26 years before his passing and raised 12 children.

Mary loved to cook, especially big family dinners. She was known for cooking the best corn beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day each year. The barbeques at Mary’s home were legendary. She would start cooking two days prior to the event. It was very common to see a gathering of family and friends at Mary’s house. Indeed, Mary’s home was the nucleus of her family’s events. 

Mary worked as a shop steward for more than 50 years at Ethicon in Somerville, NJ. She was affectionately known as Mary P. and was known for her strong work. She nurtured lifetime friendships with her co-workers. Prior to Ethicon, Mary worked at RCA.

Mary was known for purchasing a new Cadillac every 4 hours. She would drive the latest Cadillac with pride and swag. 

Mary was the backbone of her family. She proudly served the role of the family matriarch. Throughout the years, she helped countless family and friends who needed a place to stay or a meal served with love. 

Most family members referred to Mary as Moo-Moo. An enduring name that started with her first grandchild. She loved to hear the name, Moo-Moo, and always beamed with pride.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Oscar Petties, her daughter, Diana Taylor, and her sons, Oscar Petties and Jeff Petties.

 She leaves to mourn her life, sister, Laura Berry of New Brunswick, and brother-in-law, Joseph Kelly of Georgia; daughters Diana Mary of Somerset, Victoria of Piscataway, Virginia (Henry) Capers of Rahway, and Janice Edmonds, Virginia; sons, Walter (Rose) Edmonds of Somerset and Lester (Eva) Edmonds of Cranbury, and Alfred, Ronald, Augustus, and Donald Petties of Piscataway and special son, Emendo Coleman. Also, left to mourn her life are a host of nieces, nephews, three generations of grandchildren, other family members and friends.