Bonnie Jean Pettitt, 83, passed away quietly in her home December 30, 2016.  Jean was born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn, Michigan where she attended the Edison Institute.  She graduated and was employed by Gibson Guitar before attending Western Michigan University, where she received a degree in education.  She then moved to Germany and travelled extensively through Europe.  Returning to the states, Jean taught American history and English.  After a decade of teaching, she started her own business selling handcrafted furniture.  In 1995, she met the love of her life, Jay Pettitt.  Jay and Jean married and enjoyed traveling the country and entertaining in their Florida home.  Even after the devastating loss of her mate in 2014, Jean continued to touch people's lives with her effervescence, spontaneity and love.  Already a cancer survivor a decade earlier,  and faced with cancer with a poor prognosis, Jean continued to live her life on her own terms, choosing singing, knitting and spending time with her friends and family rather than traditional treatment.  She professed often that she was very happy with whatever time she had.  She was an indomitable spirit who will be remembered with joy by her children, grandchildren and great grandchild.