Petra ‘Petie’ Subin
PETRA “PETIE” SUBIN, 79, of Margate, passed away on Sept. 25, 2022 after a brave effort to recover following surgery earlier this year.
Petie was born Petra Dub in Washington, D.C. She was a proud graduate of Sidwell Friends High School and went on to receive a BA at Cornell University in 1965, majoring in speech and drama. She gained her Masters in Social Work from Fairleigh Dickinson and went on to become one of the first groups of registered drama therapists in the country. She married her husband D. William “Bill” Subin in 1965, and they lived in Margate most of their married life, raising three sons.
As a social worker, she used her many talents creatively to help people cope with everything from daily challenges to extraordinary events. She counseled individuals from law enforcement officers to medical interns, and she led groups for cancer survivors, including the Casting for Recovery program.
In addition to her impact as a devoted wife, mother and therapist, Petie was the inspiration for many lives. Her boundless energy was directed toward helping others form new social connections. Her community roles included the local Hostess Committee for the Miss America Scholarship program, Save Lucy the Elephant Committee Board, and supporting the Charity League. She organized trips for Bill’s Dartmouth network and was named an honorary member of the Dartmouth Class of 1963.
Petie had an immense passion for theater: her performances “lit up life as she lit up the stage” one of her fellow actors said. She brought her talent to singing and dancing on stages from New York City to community theaters across South Jersey. Her roles included both spoken performances and singing in musicals such as “Pippin” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” In addition to her own presence on stage, one of her favorite activities was to visit a live Broadway performance or hear a jazz band.
Petie kept her body and hands always active with daily exercise, healthy cooking, gardening and crafts. She participated in yoga and dragon boat racing. Her dogs took after her in more ways than just her diligent exercise habits – Pippin learned to become a therapy dog. Petie used her green thumb to beautify her home with succulents, orchids and other plants. She created mementos for friends and family in the form of handcrafted cards, collages, and needlepoint art, and published a children’s book, “Grammie Ammie’s Closet.”
One of her many long time friends stated it this way: “Petie enhanced our lives with her positive enthusiasm and incredible caring.” Another longtime friend highlighted: “She was the sweetest, most engaging person I’ve ever known.”
She will be sorely missed by family, friends, and the many individuals who benefitted from her ability to bring out the best in everyone.
She is survived by Bill and her three children, Jeremy “Troll” Subin, Daniel Subin and Zachary Subin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lucy the Elephant, Sidwell Friends or Dartmouth College.
