Menetta C. (Peterson) Starbird

Menetta C. (Peterson) Starbird, age 94, longtime resident of Merrimac, passed peacefully on November 18, 2023, at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, after a short period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of John E. Starbird, who passed on February 20, 2012

Born in Amesbury, April 7, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Wilber and Myrtle (Ball) Peterson and was a graduate of Amesbury High School.

She met John Starbird after he came home from the War, and they were married in April, 1947. she had worked for 3 years at Flex Haust in Amesbury, then 10 years at Western Electric in Andover, at which time she retired to start her family, with her first born, Carol, in 1960, then came Dawn, in 1964 and Peter in 1967. “Netta” became a Scout Leader of many children for 15 years and had been actively involved with the Merrimacport United Methodist Church, where she prepared Corned Beef Suppers, was part of the outreach program and the missionary work. Above all else, it was the love and joy she received from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she cherished throughout her life.

Once her children were older, she worked with her husband, John, at Starbird Jeweler’s and continued to work in the Jewelry Shop until a month before her passing. The Jewelry store has been part of the family’s life since John opened the store back in 1961, and after his retirement, Netta continued on with her daughter, Dawn and son, Peter.

Her deep rooted love of her family will continue to warm their hearts forever and those who knew and loved her, will always treasure the special memories of her life. Netta leaves behind her two children, Dawn M. Dow and husband William Dow, Jr., and Peter J. Starbird and his wife Susan; son-in-law, Eric E. Sheehan; seven grandchildren, Jacqui, Jeff, Leah, John, Emily-Anne, Andrew and Joshua; seven great-grandchildren, Jaime, Hunter, Jacob, Kaelan, Oliver, Maleigh and Freyjah; extended family and many dear friends, and last but not least, her beloved grand dog, Nico. In addition to her parents and her husband, Netta is also predeceased by her daughter, Carol J. Sheehan who passed on Aprl 6, 2023, and her only brother, Albert Peterson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1 P.M. at the Merrimacport United Methodist Church, 39 High Street, Merrimac, MA 01860. The family will have a private graveside service at Locust Grove Cemetery, where Netta will be laid to eternal rest with her husband, John and her daughter, Carol. Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac.