Eleanor Petersen

Chesterland, Ohio – Eleanor “Polly” Petersen, age 93, died on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born on September 13, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Eleanor (Bartol) and Dr. Ivan F. Weidlein. A 1950 graduate of Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Eleanor attended college, becoming a medical secretary for Dr. Weisberger, Dr. Stevens, Dr. Junglas, and later Dr. Pensiro. She made many lifelong friendships with many people over the course of her career. Polly married Robert Petersen on November 25, 1961. They enjoyed traveling across the US and internationally and many horse-related activities throughout their lives together.

Polly was a lifelong avid horse enthusiast. She grew up in Munson, Ohio, on a farm on Auburn Road, with numerous types of livestock and crops. Polly enjoyed being outdoors and being around her horses, especially her Standardbred Bonnet and her Belgian draft horses. Later in life she served as a Director of the Carriage Association of America and became an Honorary Lifetime Director. She was also one of the founding members of the Western Reserve Carriage Association. For many years she supported the Metamora Carriage and Driving Association and of the Villa Louis Carriage Classic and became a life member of the America Driving Society. In recent years she began an annual trip for her birthday to Acadia National Park in Maine with her driving Welsh Cobs.

Polly is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Weidlein, and her husband. Survivors include her three daughters, Barbara E. Petersen of Chesterland, Ohio, Ann E. Petersen of Montville, Ohio, and Connie M. (Geritt) of St. Charles, Iowa; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and many friends in the horse world.

Private burial was held in Chester Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Endowment Fund of the Carriage Association of America, 4075 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY, 40511.Share a fond memory or condolence at www.gattozziandson.com.