Rita Pettersen Rockledge Rita Pettersen, 70, retired, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at her home. She was born in Armstrong County, PA and came to Brevard County in 2000 from Punta Gorda, FL. She worked for the Department of Defense as an Intelligence Specialist and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Rita worked and lived in several countries around the world, including Finland, Japan, Germany, Egypt, and Iran. She enjoyed playing golf, cooking, and reading. Rita is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ret. Col. C. Douglas Pettersen; sisters, Madeline Petrarca of Vandergrift, PA, Lillian (Kevin) Jones of Hyde Park, PA, Darletta (Duane) Hough of Dayton, OH; brother, Joseph (Nancy) Biagioni of Downey, CA; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 1:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Private intimate services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society in memory of Rita B. Pettersen. Florida Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
