Vince and Seyem Petrites

The families of Seyem & Vince Petrites wish to take this time to honor the lives of these cherished individuals. Seyem, 67, and Vince, 70, passed on March 6 and April 24, 2020, respectively. They are survived by their three children, two grandchildren, Seyem’s sister, and Vince’s seven sisters and two brothers. They were preceded in death by Seyem’s brother and Vince’s two brothers.

Vince was born April 5, 1950 in Gary, IN. He moved west for graduate school and enjoyed the endless array of outdoor recreational opportunities that California offered. He worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for 34 years, and was a founding member of the MTC Bike to Work Day. He took great pleasure in extended camping trips, home improvement projects, and any time spent on water (or winding roads).

Seyem was born February 20, 1953 in Kobe, Japan, and immigrated to Burlingame, CA in 1958. She worked as a transportation librarian at various Bay Area institutions, primarily UC Berkeley. She derived great pleasure from tending to her collections of orchids, tomatoes, children, and grandchildren.

Seyem and Vince met while working at MTC, set up on what they thought was a group run that turned out to be just for the two of them. In the early years of their marriage they went camping nearly every weekend, and instilled the same passion for adventure in their children. They continued to enjoy adventures and travel over their lives, culminating in a lifelong dream of sailing through the Panama Canal. They spent their last months surrounded by family, and especially cherished the arrival and early months of their grandbabies, who they continue to watch from the sky. We will remember Vince for his love of exploration and epic tours of the Bay Area for his family and friends, expertise with mai tais, and his conscientiousness and foresight in caring for his family. Seyem we will forever remember for her warmth, generosity, and great love of ice cream, cherries and persimmons. She fully held her family and friends in her mind and heart, and continues to be carried with them today. Seyem and Vince are buried at Mountain View Cemetery, overlooking St. Theresa Church and School. Their children encourage visitors to bring ice cream and/or chips. For those wishing to make a donation in their honor, we encourage supporting causes advancing outdoor recreation, environmental protection, and research on Parkinson’s disease and glioblastoma.