[2] Petri was born on 1 March 1939 to Greek-Cypriot parents, Michael and Eleni,[3] who had immigrated from Akanthou the previous year.
She studied French and Spanish at what is now the University of Chichester and worked as a schoolteacher teaching languages in Islington, London.
[5] Petri started taking an interest in football after hearing about Arsenal on the radio whilst she was washing dishes when she was 11.
"[2] Arsenal Women's players also paid tribute due to her regular attendance and vocal support at their games.
[7] Arsenal Women subsequently retained her season ticket seats as a charitable reward for members of their community scheme in Petri's honour.