Monika F. Petter

Monika Friedericke Petter, spent the first decade of her life in Vienna, Austria. At age 12 she followed her father to the white sandy beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida and proudly became a U.S. Citizen. Overcoming those earliest obstacles and the aftershocks of war, she pursued her education, earning her BA from the University of Maryland, and her MA from Ball State University, Indiana, with an emphasis on foreign linguistics, setting the stage for her early career as an interpreter/translator (fluent in English, German, Spanish and French). Monika went-on to earn her MSW from Catholic University of America, in Washington, DC, which would be applied in her career in social work with US Military Veterans. Committed to helping American Veterans and their families, Monika established a scholarship program at Catholic University, for those pursuing studies and a career in military social work. She also held dear to her heart the Salvation Army, the Prevention of Blindness Society, and the National Presbyterian Church of Washington, DC.

Throughout her life, her priority for philanthropy was balanced by her love of fashion, film, and the creative arts. Monika was a proud supporter of the National Symphony Orchestras Women’s Committee, the Washington Ballet, and the Washington International Piano Arts Council, and was an ardent friend of the Kreiger Museum, the Hospitality & Information Service for Diplomats, the “Welcome to Washington, International Club,” and was an active member of the University Club of Washington, DC.

Monika Petter died peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. She was predeceased by her dear mother, Gisela E. Marchhart, her father Hans H. Petter, and brother Michael H. Petter, and is survived by her niece Caline N. Sand and nephew Joachim Petter. Memorial services will be held later this Fall at the University Club. Anyone wishing to honor Monika Petter’s memory can make a donation to the “Monika Petter Endowed Scholarship for Social Service” at Catholic University of America.